.
u±)
**^ ^tefc*4"^BI*ftB»*l
L4J
*f
^
\
%•„
^
\ ^
X \
v
J
\ ^w
V;rHy
<r
,/
\ X
/'V
,<r
•^
/"
\
^
^
V V
..**•
-»j
7
^
\x /f
,/• v
\.
o
f fetortcal
FOUNDED 1791
COLLECTIONS
VOL. 72
Committee of Publication
HENRY CABOT LODGE
WINSLOW WARREN
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD
WARREN- ADAMS
LETTERS
Being chiefly a correspondence among
John Adams, Samuel Adams,
and James Warren
VOL. I
1743.1777
THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1917
M
FIVE HUNDRED COPIES OF THIS
VOLUME HAVE BEEN PRINTED FROM
TYPE AND THE TYPE DISTRIBUTED
Contents
ILLUSTRATIONS xxix
PREFATORY NOTE xxxi
1743
June 17. JAMES OTIS, JR. TO JAMES OTIS, SENR i
Expences of commencement. Will share with Russell.
1766
April ii. JAMES OTIS TO MERCY WARREN I
Death of Rebecca Otis. Engrossed by his occupations. Question of
slavery or liberty. A scurrilous article. Court service.
1767
December 5. JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS 3
Sends a Farmer's Letter. Opinion of Otis. Question at issue. Modera
tion urged.
1768
January 25. JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS 4
Sends corrected copy of Farmer's Letters. Recommends version in
/ Pennsylvania Gazette. A vindication of rights.
April ii. JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS 5
Letters to Boston expressing sense of obligation. Why he should be
dear to Otis. America is arousing.
July — . JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS 6
Sends Maryland's proceedings. Wishes for Boston. Hutchinson's
pension.
1769
April 27. CATHARINE MACAULAY TO JAMES OTIS 7
Sends a copy of her History. Wishes an account of American affairs.
438782
vi Contents
1771
March 25. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 8
News from England. Language of despair. Hutchinson and Caesar.
Prudence and moderation. Lovell's oration.
1772
April 13. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 10
Motion to remove General Court from Cambridge to Boston. A boy
/ for his service. Condolence and sympathy.
/November 4. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN n
A town meeting. Otis on committee of correspondence. Plymouth
/ should follow.
,/VWovember 27. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 12
Town meeting proceedings. Plymouth petitions and Tory lies. Rox-
bury prospects. Heath and Gerry. Exertion necessary.
December 9. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 14
No cause to despair. Reply to the Hingham writer. Position of Lan
caster. Town meetings. Plan of the Tories.
1773
January 4. HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN 16
Her animating letter. Ministerial decree for trial of colonists. Await
ing the meeting of the Assembly.
April 12. HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN 17
Is gratified by the assembly's action. The capital and its pleasures.
December 5. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 18
No act will surprise. Tea in Boston. Blood may flow. Awaiting an
outbreak. On Moliere.
December 28. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 19
Invitation to Plymouth festivity. Approval of town's proceedings.
Plymouth's protest. Tea in other colonies. Correspondence re-opened.
The assembly. Intelligence.
1774
January 3. JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 21
Bishop Burnet to Lady Russell. The Plymouth anniversary. Public and
private business. May shine as a farmer. His intentions sincere.
Contents vii
January 3. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 23
A bold stroke necessary. Scarecrows and bugbears. A union of senti-
ment and spirit. Recantation of protesters.
\ /^March 31. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . . A? . . . 24
\y^
Public attitude towards colony in England. Hutchinson's plans. A
N colonial post office. Position of the Tories,
lay 21. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 26
Avoid blood and tumult. Give other provinces opportunity to think.
Violence will mean ruin.
July 14. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 26
Regret at not having seen him. The grand congress. Great expecta
tions held of it. Danger of timidity and narrow plans. An annual
congress. Want of gratitude in mankind.
July 17. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 29
Public confidence in the Congress. Feels his own insufficiency. How to
distress Great Britain. A non-exportation. Nothing to expect from their
justice.
July 25. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 31
Serene retreat at Braintree. Death of Louis XV. Futility of imagining
how great men would have acted.
September 27. HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN ... 32
Disturbed condition of Boston. News from England. Preparations
for a battle. An ingenious satire on love of dress.
December 19. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 34
Results of the elections. Military honors. The English elections and
American grievances. Engrossing civil and military duties.
1775
January 15. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 35
Votes of Maryland commended. Opinion of Chase. Tories active. The
new Congress.
January 30. MERCY WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 36
Is grateful for his good opinion. Personal reflections and sarcasm.
Proper limits on satire. 'The Group.' Anxiety for the future.
February n. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 39
Introducing Buchanan and Tolley. Permission to open letters. Negli
gence and unkindness.
viii Contents
February 20. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 40
Hoped to have seen him in the Provincial Congress. 'Massachusett-
ensis.' Wasted time in the Congress. Authorship of 'The Group.'
March 15. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS . 41
Sends an article for use in 'The Group ' ?
V'March 15. JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 42
Personal reflections and satire. What is feared from its use. A high
compliment.
April 6. JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN 44
Reasons for not adjourning the Congress. News from England un
favorable. Preparations for war. Inhabitants of Boston moving.
May 7. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 46
In the Provincial Congress. That body much weakened. Regulation
of army and expenses. More experienced direction wanted, and a set
tled government. Infatuation of Boston inhabitants. Pitiable plight of
refugees and Tories. Hutchinson's letters.
May 1 8. JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN 49
A daily letter. Congress to be revered. What was done in South Caro
lina and Halifax. Detestation of Tories. Effect of an advance towards
Charlestown.
^ May 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 51
Congress moving slowly. Multitude of objects before it. Reprinting
'The Group.' Martial spirit in Pennsylvania.
May 26. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 52
Introducing Messrs. Hall.
June 7. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 52
Canada and the Indians. Brown and Price as agents. Cruelty of In
dians.
June 10. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 53
Cleanliness and health in the army. Lee on Burgoyne. Militia, powder
and pikemen. Casting of cannon.
v \
\^June 10. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 54
Effect in England of the battle of Lexington. Difficulty of possessing
Congress with news. Resolution to aid Boston. Gunpowder.
— *June ii. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 56
Anxiety to hear from Congress. Question of assuming civil government.
Elation over aid from the Congress. Cushing's discouraging letter.
Contents ix
i8. JOHN HANCOCK TO JOSEPH WARREN 57
Has obtained leave to give some information on acts of Congress. Ap
pointment of Washington as commander-in-chief. Ward and Lee.
Riflemen for Boston, and a continental army. A fast day.
—•June 1 8. JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN 59
Battle of Bunker Hill. Death of Warren. Return of Dr. Church with
intelligence. Mode of government. Behavior of James Otis.
June 20. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 61
An army and appointments to command. Struggle over Charles Lee.
Review of troops.
•* June 20. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 62
Has communicated Lee's opinion of the British generals. Battle of
Bunker Hill. Death of Warren. A general needed. Reports of the
English dead. Does not approve of form of government.
\xJune 20. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JOSEPH WTARREN 64
Appointment of Continental generals. Is more and more satisfied with
that of Lee.
June 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JOSEPH WARREN 65
The question of generals. A government and Tories. Skene andTryon.
William Tudor. Powder.
June 27. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 66
Death of Dr. Warren. News of the Bunker Hill fight and powder.
Wished to make him a general. North Carolina affairs. The riflemen.
Hint on saltpetre.
^June 27. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 67
The army at Cambridge and Roxbury. Satisfaction with generals.
Provision for General Thomas. Situation in Boston. Absorbed by
army. A pamphlet.
June 28. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 69
Bunker Hill engagement. Warns against suspicions of their generals.
Lee and the conditions of his appointment. Loss of Dr. Warren. Sends
letters to his care.
July 5. MERCY WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 71
Remissness of correspondents. Mr. Warren too busy to write. Sad
situation of those in Boston. Piratical acts of the enemy. Corruption
and cruelty of Gage. Wishes for Congress. Dr. Eliot said to be confined.
July 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 73
Wishes his correspondence. Error in appointing general officers. Ap-
Contents
pointments of Warren and a lesson. Powder and cannon. Intro
duces Collins and Keays. What may be expected from Great Britain.
Effect on proceedings of Congress. Addresses and programme.
July 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 75
Riflemen ordered to Massachusetts. A German Hussar. Jealousy in
raising troops.
July 7. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 77
Washington and Mifflin. Opinion of General Lee. Size of army and the
British force. Losses at Bunker Hill. General officers. Prisoners in
Boston. Powder. Proposition for a fleet. Pay of officers. A lying ac
count of battle from Boston.
^ July 10. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 79
Addresses sent to England. Kirkland and the Indians. General officers.
Discretion enjoined.
vjfaly ii. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 80
Addresses from Congress. Size of the Continental Army. Paper money.
Observance of fast day. Appointment for young Samuel Adams.
July n. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 81
No letters. Army should be increased. A navy and armed vessels.
Looks for action.
July 12. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 82
Introduces Hugh Hughes.
July 20. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 82
A visit to Plymouth. Council making. The fast day. Affairs at Long
Island and Brown's house. Strength of Roxbury lines. Lighthouse
burnt. Navy and riflemen. Smallpox and conciliation. Derby's report
on English affairs. Reinforcements and Tories.
July 23. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 85
Thomas receives a commission. Reasons for the other general officers.
Example from Connecticut — Spencer and Wooster. Willingness to
serve. Staff appointments. Names suggested. Secrecy enjoined. Dis
couraging features. Defense of trade and free trade.
July 24. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 88
Frank opinion on discussion and his obstructive policy. Powder. Mat
ters to be acted upon. Charles Lee and his dogs.
July 24. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 89
Suspicions of generals. Want of information. An adjournment possible.
A place for his son.
Contents xi
July 26. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 90
Appointment of staff officers. Paymaster. Pigeon and Palmer. Duties
of officers. Characters and biographies. Engineers.
July 26. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 92
Position of Quartermaster General. Care in appointments. Money and
powder.
July 27. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 93
A hospital establishment and Dr. Church. Warren as paymaster
general. Powder. Introductions.
July 29. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 93
Changes in House. Paymaster general. Commendation of Lux. Ap
pointment of Church. His own son.
July 30. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 94
The paymaster generalship. Secretary of the Province.
July 31. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 95
Gratified by Thomas's appointment. Conduct of Spencer. Embarrass
ments from narrow views. Open ports to the foreign trade. Military
actions. The lighthouse attack. Washington on army appointments.
The constitution of government. Trade with the enemy. A treaty with
Gage and its observance.
August 6. GEORGE WASHINGTON TO JAMES WARREN 99
Proposed release of Hichborn. The intercepted letters.
August 9. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 99
Providential arrival of powder. Riflemen restrained. Machias takes
vessels. Other captures. Prisoners held in Boston. Officers by
Massachusetts appointment. Hichborn's adventure. Tories in Boston.
August 17. HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN .... 102
Washington's character. The people of Boston and Gage. Situation
of her brother Mason. Treatment of Charlestown. Warren's appoint
ment as paymaster general.
August 26. JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 104
Rejoiced to be in the country. Effect of rest and family intercourse.
No vexations or annoyances. This happy period must end.
August 27. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 105 .
Safe arrival at home. Has not heard of alarms. Mr. Adams soon to
return to Congress. The intercepted letters.
xii Contents
September 4. MERCY WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 106
Fear an attack at Halifax. Tranquillity at camp. Preparations to
bombard Prospect Hill.
September u. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 107
Works around Boston. Trouble with the Riflemen. Foreign intelligence.
Need of powder and money. Arnold's expedition to Quebec. Some
vessels taken. Patrick Henry. Council appointments.
September 17. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 109
Reply of King to city of London. Marriage of Hancock. Samuel Adams
rides a horse.
'^September 19. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 112
Return of Peyton Randolph. The Virginia delegation. Wishes a new
selection from Massachusetts. Congress feels the spirit of war.
•^September 19. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 112
No intelligence to offer. The situation in Boston. Skirmishing. Great
need of money. Versifying in Boston.
/ September 26. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 115
Influence of the sex. Efforts to get powder and saltpetre. Accounts of
the Province against the continent. Urges a change in the delegation.
Wishes to retire, and the reasons.
September 26. JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 118
The intercepted letters. Has boasted of his happiness.
September 28. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 118
The provincial accounts.
September 30. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 119
A committee of Congress to the camp. The members described.
October I. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 120
Draper's newspaper and foreign intelligence. Fears for Mrs. Adams.
The committee of Congress.
October I. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS . . . . . . .121
Detection of Dr. Church's correspondence. Circumstances so far as
known. Captures of vessels. Turtle and letters. Intelligence from
Canada. Arnold's progress. Money and powder.
October 2. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 124
Introduces Major Bayard. Secrecy of proceedings. Spirited measures
in order. Messages from Lux. Mrs. Adams.
Contents xiii
October 3. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 124
Introduces Bayard. Committee to camp. Folly to petition. Army must
not remain inactive.
October 7. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 126
Secrecy in Congress. Questions on the trade of America. Ambassa
dors to foreign courts. Offer of sovereignty, alliance and commerce.
Protection of trade. Must depend on their own resources. A sea force.
October 7. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 129
Intelligence from Great Britain. Preparation necessary. Hessians to
be employed. Colony accounts.
October 8. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 129
Channels in Boston Harbor. Forts on the islands. Plan of town and
harbor. Row gallies. News from the northward. Government for
Canada. Court committees.
October 10. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 132
Recommending Jonathan Mifflin. Canada. Powder and saltpetre.
Information desired. Cannon for America.
October 10. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 132
Intelligence from Great Britain. Military preparations. Flat boats
for the lakes. Designs near Boston. The northern expedition.
October 12. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 134
Article on powder from Antigua. Wishes latest and fullest intelligence.
Details on powder in West Indies.
October 13. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 136
Is pleased on reception of a passage in the intercepted letter. Charles
Lee and his fondness for dogs. Expressions of sincerity. No timidity
in Congress.
October 13. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 139
Church's misfortune. Has not influenced position of delegates. The
northern expedition and successes at sea.
October 13. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 140
No intelligence sent from Massachusetts. Desires an attack upon
Boston. Honor in British army. Church's letter.
October 18. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 142
Church's letter. Opinion in Congress. Dismissed from his office. Dr.
Morgan chosen to succeed him. Unfortunate appointments from Massa
chusetts. Morgan's character. A committee of Congress on hostilities.
xiv Contents
October 19. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 143
Nothing from the committee of correspondence. Urges vouchers for
accounts against the continent. A committee on hostilities.
October 19. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . 145
An American fleet and the possibilities. Protection of trade, north and
south. A public fleet.
October 19. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 146
What measures on trade are necessary. Change of habit and prejudice.
Prohibition or permission of commerce. Invitation to foreign nations to
trade. The West Indies.
October 19. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 147
Has had few letters. Church and his punishment. Curiosity and women.
Little inclination to go into company.
October 19. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 148
Introduces Captain Gist. Critical situation of affairs. Consolation.
October 20. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 149
Committee from Congress entertained. Justices in the Supreme Court.
Candidates and claims. The situation in Boston. Putnam's venture.
Threats against sea-board towns. Prizes and accounts. Bills of credit.
An offensive movement uncertain. Conference with committee of Con
gress. Church's affair. Trade and saltpetre. Burning of Falmouth.
Hichborn. Row gallies. Government of Canada.
October 20. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 155
Need for foreign trade. Clothing and materials. Impatience of mer
chants and laborers.
October 20. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 156
Introducing John McPherson.
October 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 157
Recommendation of John Folwell and Josiah Hart. Saltpetre. Han
cock's conduct.
October 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 158
Necessity of saltpetre. Examples of success. Rock of saltpetre in Vir
ginia.
October 23. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 159
Grateful for condolence. Accounts and prices. Relation of hostilities.
October 24. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 160
Searching of hearts by men. Art of a politician. Difficulty of applying
it in Congress.
Contents xv
October 24. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 161
Death of Peyton Randolph. His character.
October 24. SILAS DEANE, JOHN ADAMS, AND GEORGE WYTHE TO
JAMES WARREN 162
Asks for an account of hostilities committed by British.
October 25. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 163
Method of collecting saltpetre from the air. Sulphur and lead. O'Brian
and Carghill.
October 25. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 164
Morgan to succeed Church. His experience and character.
October 25. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 165
Appointments for the sons of Governor Ward of Rhode Island.
October 28. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 166
The Continental association. Should non-exportation be extended?
Possible benefit to Tories. 1/&
October — . JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 167
A North American monarchy. Quakers and land jobbers.
October 28. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 168
Opinion of Joseph Reed. The Group. Powder and rumored quantity.
November 4. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 169
Powder and captured British colors. Committee from camp. New bat
talions. Exportation permitted only for powder. Will not violate se
crecy of Congress. Internal police of colony. Schools and principles of
morality. Character of public men. The secretaryship of Massachu
setts. Church.
November 5. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 174
Committee from camp. Seamen and their numbers. Ships and their
construction. Commanders. Government permitted.
November 5. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 175
Prices and trade. Non-exportation. Purchase of beef and hay. Mono
polies charged. Need for wood. Questions on trade. Protection against
enemy ships and saltpetre. Militia and appointment of officers. The
supreme court. A test act. New delegates and prizes.
November — . ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 179
A missent letter. Punishment of Church. A continental connection
and morals.
xvi Contents
November 14. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 181
News from Canada. Enos deserts Arnold. Whalemen and privateer
ing. Shipwrights. Commanders suggested. Government and represent
atives. The dispute over officers. Military and naval courts. Foreign
trade. Many matters.
December 3. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 186
Arrears of army pay. Crafts and Trot recommended.
December 3. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 187
Has not yet seen Dr. Morgan. Success of northern army. Marston's
assurance to Howe. Difficulties of the general on army. Prizes and
saltpetre. Confidence in Congress. Medical appointments.
December 5. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 191
Introducing Jonathan B. Smith. Grant of money to Massachusetts.
Dunmore's acts in Virginia. A government recommended. Dispute on
militia appointments. Want of public spirit. Need of prudence.
December n. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 192
Progress in making saltpetre. Powder mills. Prizes and privateers.
Militia and their conduct. Prospects of army. Appointments.
December 26. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 195
Present form of government, and its improvement. Fear of a free gov
ernment. Control of legislative bodies. Change of manners.
1776
January 7. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . ''/ .... 197
Militia establishment. Dangers of a standing army. Should teach art
of war and principles of government. Powder and saltpetre. A con
federation and the obstacles. Disposition of Captain Horn on burning
of Norfolk.
January 8. MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MERCY WARREN .... 200
Thanking her for offer of shelter in case of removal. The general's
wishes.
January 8. JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 201
Is charmed by her characters. A monarchy or republic. Effect of the
form of government. Public virtue. An engagement. In suspense as to
issue.
January 10. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 203
Export of produce. Resolutions adopted. Case of James Lovell. Fry
and Arnold. Common Sense.
Contents xvii
February 7. MERCY WARREN TO ABIGAIL ADAMS 205
Whispers of malice and apprehensions. The intercepted letters. Her
correspondence with John Adams.
February 18. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 206
A committee to go to Canada. Description of the members. John
Carroll also to go. Lee ordered to Canada. Need of conquering that
province.
February 28. JAMES BOWDOIN TO MERCY WARREN 208
Paine's Common Sense.
March 7. JAMES WTARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 209
Fears negotiations with Great Britain. Commissioners appointed.
Cannot account for hesitancy. Move upon Boston. Prizes. Baron de
Woedtke. Bounties for enlistments.
March 8. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 21 1
Conduct of Cushing. A subscription in support of his character.
March 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . v 212
A mighty question pending. Change in the Pennsylvania representa
tion. Privateers and open trade. End of Quaker interest in Philadel
phia.
March 23. JAMES BOWDOIN TO MERCY WARREN 214
The British commissioners to negotiate. How both sides will conduct
the matter. Fear of bribery. A treaty in outline. Question of inde
pendence. Opinion of Paine.
March 29. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 216
Fortifying Boston Harbor. Obstructing the channel.
March 30. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 217
Topsy-turvy condition of affairs. Departure of the British fleet and
the future. Sending troops from Boston. The paymaster generalship.
Resigns. Audit of accounts. Levelling spirit and united sentiment.
His resignation. Prizes.
April 2. MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MERCY WARREN 220
Cannot accept her invitation to dinner. Good wishes.
April 3. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 220
Howe's intentions. Troops needed for Washington's army.
April 16. JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 221
Women great politicians. Forms of government. Spirit of commerce.
No faith in the British commissioners.
xviii Contents
April 1 6. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 224
Evacuation of Boston and independence. The commissioners to treat.
Should renounce all treaty with them. Independence.
April 1 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 225
Defence of Boston Harbor. His letter of resignation. The new judges.
Independence and the opposition. Privateering. Alliances.
April 17. MERCY WARREN TO ABIGAIL ADAMS 228
Describes a visit to Mrs. Washington. The Custis family. Mrs. Mor
gan.
April 20. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 230
Opinion on independence in the southern colonies. Origin of his
'Thoughts on Government.'
April 22. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 232
Requirements of the governing machine. Advance towards desired
end. Massachusetts should alter constitution. An instruction for in
dependency. Reluctance to change and independence. Respect for
those in authority. The election in May.
April 27. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 234
Thanks for characters. Letters from John Adams. Her list of female
grievances. His retort.
April 30. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 236
Doings of the General Court. Fortifying town and harbor. A successor
to Ward. The pay of troops. Powder supplies. British at George's
Island.
May 8. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 239
Boston to be attacked. Want of defense. Regiments and appointments.
Representation in the General Court.
May 12. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 242
111 health and anxieties. Braxton's address to the Virginia conven
tion. Judges' salaries. A negative for the governor. Governments in
colonies. Influence of Thomas Paine. Resigns from Board.
May 12. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . . . ... . 244
Need of strengthening Boston. Avoidance of disputes. Congress and
the Eastern district. To press inlistments. Money for the paymaster.
May 15. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 245
Preamble to resolution on government. What remains to be done. Bat
talions for Massachusetts. Appointments of officers. Gates and Mifrlin.
Contents xix
May 1 8. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 247
Plans of the enemy. The provincial militia. Dismal news from Can
ada. The phantom of commissioners. Scandalous flight from Quebec.
Promotions. Specie for the Canada service. Ripe for independence.
May 20. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 249 /
Progress of independence. Changes in instructions and delegates. Most
decisive measures not very remote. Dickinson's change of heart.
Prospect of carnage and devastation.
June 2. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 252 — -
' Thoughts on Government.' The Council and House. The Salem elec
tion. Forming a government. Judges and Bowdoin. Slow inlistments.
Manning the ships. His accounts as paymaster. Distress for money.
Prize ship.
June 5. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 254
Arrival of Dr. Church and his treatment. Pnzes taken. Covering
British property by the West Indians.
June 6. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 255
Better appearance of affairs in Canada. Important motion pending.
Contention to be avoided.
June 9. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 256
In doubt on his office. In ignorance of the election. A treatise on fire
ships. Washington and Boston.
June 16. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 257
Braxton's 'Address.' Henry's opinion. The Virginia constitution fore
cast. Continental battalions from Massachusetts. Smallpox. Impor
tance of holding ground in Canada. British property.
July 10. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ....... 258
General Court's transactions. Inlistments and bounties. Burden of
towns. His own position. Plot in New York. Prizes taken. Alliances
and confederation. Young's 'Rural Oeconomy.'
July 15. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 260
Gerry leaves for his health. Expectations from New York.
July 17. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ... .... 261
Spread of inoculation. Has received the declaration of independence.
Congress and Massachusetts. The Southern colonies. Defenceless
state of colony. Howe's treatment of captured vessels. Condition of
Boston. Portugal and Great Britain.
xx Contents
July 24. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 263
Inoculation and use of mercury. The court and confederation. Much
depends on militia. Burgoyne wishes to retire.
July 26. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 264
Must return home. Recommends General Ward, and Dana and others.
July 27. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 264
Need of fresh delegates. Condition of those in Philadelphia. Has sent in
his resignation.
August 7. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 266
Uneasiness over Adams' health. Unhealthiness of Philadelphia. Small
pox.
August ii. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 267
Mrs. Temple's application. No important intelligence. Privateering
and idle vessels. Filfing the battalions. No commander appointed.
Currency and inoculation. News from France.
August 17. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 269
Earnestly desires to retire. Numbering the Massachusetts regiments.
Information wanted on navy and privateers. Odd manner of telling a
story. Wanted, a horse.
August 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 270
Will aid Mrs. Temple. Privateers and the navy. Men of business
wanted. Ward to command in eastern department. Force at New
York. Laziness of Massachusetts.
September 4. JOHN ADAMS TO JAM^S WARREN 272
S. Adams and Gerry. Situation at New York. Sullivan's mission. Will
remain during the crisis. Introduces Mr. Hare. Suggests a brewery of
porter. Resolution on Mrs. Temple's application.
September 19. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 273
Troops for New York and Rhode Island. Is appointed a major-gen
eral. Matters attended to by General Court. Has not seen Mr. Hare.
Question of delegates. Sullivan's message and Howe's mission.
September 25. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 275
New plan of an army. Commissions and inlistments.
November 6. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . . . . . 275
Pay of militia. Inlisting a new army. Committee of war. Inlistments
and bounties. Officers' rank.
Contents xxi
November 16. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 277
Carleton's retreat. The British fleet. Philadelphia may be the object.
Preparations must be continued.
December 6. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 278
Supplies of clothing for army. Want of intelligence. Accounts from the
northward. Destruction of British vessels proposed.
LxDecember 12. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 279
Movements of the two armies. Lethargy in Pennsylvania and New
Jersey. Dickinson most to blame. Cause will be supported. Need of an
army. Adams and Paine leave Congress. Wants news from New Eng
land. Caution against neglect.
1777
January i. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 281
Is satisfied with what has been done. Assurances given by the conti
nental ministers abroad. Success in New Jersey. Washington's powers
increased. Mission of Lieut. -Col. Stewart.
January 14. HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN .... 282
New Year presents a brighter view. Success in New Jersey. Frank
lin goes abroad. A prophetical egg. Astronomical matters. Her sister.
January 16. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 285
Money for payment of bounty. Vote of the province in Congress. Needs
advice and assistance. Has never had so happy feelings. Introduces
John Allan.
February I. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 286
Proceedings of the New England states on prices. A letter from a dele
gate. Want of information. Excuses his neglect to write. The board
of war and purchases of flour. S. and R. Purviance commended. Sons
of Warren and Mercer.
February 3. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 288
Has reached Baltimore. The recruiting service. British ministry
ask for Cossacks. Must destroy British army. New England in high
estimation.
February n. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 290
Account of expenses. Clothes and other charges. Horsehire. Time of
service. Arrival of arms.
February 16. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 291
Suppression of Maryland tories. Case of Cheney. Dangers to be appre
hended. Should be rooted out. Congress and Lee. Howe and British
atrocities.
xxii Contents
February 17. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 293
Change in Congressional representation. Familiar faces remaining.
Government of states acquiring vigor. A military engagement. Will
return to Philadelphia. The new army.
February 22. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 294
Anxiety about him. Russians for Great Britain. Wishes to see foreign
merchantmen in harbors. Bounties and inlistments. Apprehensions
of Schuyler on Ticonderoga. Newport and promotions. The constitu
tion. Freedom of conscience. The navy. Requisitions by Congress.
March 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 297
Dr. Jackson and the lottery. State governments. Loans. Cost of
living.
March 15. GEORGE WASHINGTON TO JAMES WARREN .... 298
Friendly greetings and acknowledgment. Disapproves method of rais
ing troops. A campaign about to open.
March 21. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 299
Object of the enemy uncertain. Their reinforcements. Cossacks and
Hessians. Cannot hold Philadelphia and their communication through
New Jersey. The city a small conquest.
March 21. JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN 301
Arrival of Independence with supplies from France. Reception of
Franklin. Recognition by France of American independence. Libel
from the Tories. French officers.
March 23. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 303
Likes old faces, acquaintance and connections. The new army. Levy
on towns. Bounties extended to artillery. No move on Rhode Island.
Conduct of the Fleet. Local Boards. Recommends captains. The regu
lating act. A convention on a constitution. Recommends Joseph Ward.
March 24. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 306
Arrival of arms. An interposition of Providence.
March 26. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 306
A cannon of bar iron. Advantages on trial.
March 31. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 307
Encouraging news from France. Arms and powder arriving. Patience
and perseverance wanted. Must depend on selves.
April i. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 308
Sends important letter. Stocks at Amsterdam. Dutch may be friendly.
Contents xxiii
April 3. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 309
Desires war between Great Britain and France. Interest on loans, and
the lottery. Articles of confederation. A constitution for Massachu
setts. The enemy at Rhode Island. Hancock as treasurer of Harvard
College.
April 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 310
Suppresses a letter. Naval matters. Changes in the naval committee
and its needs.
April 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 312
Naval administration and boards. Officers should communicate their
sentiments freely. Is against an embargo on privateers. Trade enter
prise and Massachusetts.
April 1 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 313
A vessel from France. Intelligence from Europe. Great Britain
threatens war with France. Other differences.
April 17. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 314
An invasion by sea. Lee on cultivating Europe. Losses of British mer
chants. Great warlike preparations. New England the object. Meas
ures against the tories.
April 23. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 316
War in Europe to be looked for. Supplies from France. Prizes and
privateers. Forces for Rhode Island. Low estimate of militia. An im
portant arrival.
April 27. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 318
Frigates infecting the coasts. An hostile challenge. A committee to
confer with the captains, and other measures taken. Is pleased with
Conway. Agriculture. Purchasing agents. Livingston and Turnbull.
Otis recommended. Feeling against the Portuguese.
May 2. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 321
Introducing Dr. Brownson.
May 3. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 321
On European war and trade. Cowardly to pant after a French war.
How to secure her aid. The question of revenue. The articles of con
federation. The state constitution.
May 5. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 323
The affair at Danbury. Little dependence on militia. Distribution of
forces. Sacrifices and southern appreciation. Has written Washington.
xxiv Contents
May 6. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 324
Navy board at Boston. Names considered and the choice made. Sala
ries and duties.
May 8. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 325
Military and naval intelligence. Bounties to battalions. Move against
the tories.
June 5. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 326
Completing the state quota. Obliged to become speaker. Ill news from
Ticonderoga. The navy board. Equal representation.
June ii. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 328
Introducing Joseph Hewes. Plans of Howe. His experience in New
Jersey. Rhode Island. The constitution.
June ii. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 329
British men of war on coast. Gates in command of northern army.
Rhode Island. War between France and Great Britain. The regulat
ing act and taxation.
June 18. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . . . fa>. . .331
Introducing Colonel Whipple. General Court matters. Movements of
the enemy. Dislikes a Fabian war.
June 19. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 332
Massachusetts must lead. The navy board and residence. Difference
between General Court and town of Boston. The constitution. Num
bering of regiments. Embarrassed with foreign officers. Cost of living
at Philadelphia.
June 22. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 334
British may take Philadelphia. Depends upon him for information.
The regulating act. The constitution. Question of representation.
Bill for freeing negroes. Operations of cruisers and the navy. Navy
board.
June 23. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 336
Situation and movements of armies.
June 30. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 337
Uncertainty in post office. The confederation. Votes of each state.
A constitution for Massachusetts.
July 7. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 339
Does not expect Howe in Philadelphia. The Massachusetts regiments
not filled. Matter of arms. The constitution. Bill for freeing negroes.
Naval commissions. The governorship.
Contents xxv
July 10. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 340
Forces raised in Massachusetts. Progress on the constitution. No dis
union between Boston and the General Court. Foreign officers. Ex
penses of living. Ticonderoga and Howe's plans. Gerry's ship.
July ii. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 342
Evacuation of Ticonderoga.
July 22. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 343
Charges on the evacuation of Ticonderoga. Regiments in garrison.
July 31. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN . . . . '. . . 344
Congress to investigate the evacuation of Ticonderoga. Schuyler's
appointment and support. St. Clair and public opinion. Wants num
bers sent to Ticonderoga. The enemy expected.
August i. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 346
British fleet at sea. Congress investigates loss of Ticonderoga and
Mount Independence. Deliberation and design intimated. May re
cover and win.
August 10. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 347
Results of the evacuation of Ticonderoga and New England. New
levies and arms. Indignation and distrust. News of northern opera
tions. Question of rank. Resigns his commission. New England con
vention. Navy board and situation of vessels. The constitution. Dis
tribution of arms.
August 12. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN ...... 351
Schuyler's letter to Congress, and his strictures on Massachusetts.
Gates gone to take command. The English fleet. Schuyler's letter of
August 4.
August 6. JOHN GLOVER TO JAMES WARREN 353
The northern campaign. Outbreak of Indians and panic. Position and
strength of the enemy. The militia leaving the army. Defends com
manders. Need of reinforcements.
August ii. JOHN GLOVER TO JAMES WARREN 355
Affair at Fort Schuyler and Herkimer's death. Effect of recall of
Schuyler and St. Clair. Burgoyne and militia.
August 12. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 357
Schuyler's letters and troops. Inquiry on Ticonderoga. Howe and
the Jersies. Washington's army. News from France.
xxvi Contents
August 14. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN 358
Memorable anniversary. Should have a history of courts. Cruelty of
the enemy. Sends copy of Lee's letter. Loss of Ticonderoga. French
cotton and a cloth commission.
August 1 8. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 359
Copies of letters from Arthur Lee. The northern department. Massa
chusetts should exert herself. Finance. Letters of Arthur Lee, January
31 and February 3 and n. Attempt to colonize the Musquito shore.
War preparations. Trade convoys. Letters of marque. American pris
oners for India.
September 4. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 363
Schuyler's letters. Burgoyne's situation. Sullivan's success. Howe and
Philadelphia. Prizes. Currency and taxation. Vacant lands as a fund.
September 7. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 365
The navy board and popular expectation. Dispute between Manley and
McNeill. Powers of board and money. Arnold's success. Prizes. News
from London. Economy and a clerk. Prices.
September 17. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 367
No news. Operations against Burgoyne. Machias. The Constitu
tion. Salt and molasses from cornstalks. Extravagance and outbreaks.
Agent of clothier general.
September 17. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 369
Fighting near Philadelphia. Washington retires. A battle expected.
Jesuits' bark for R. H. Lee. Movements of the enemy. Affairs were
never in a better situation.
October 10. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS 370
Howe and Philadelphia. Opposition offered by Washington. Burgoyne
and Rhode Island. Removal of Congress.
October 12. JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ....... 371
Who possesses Philadelphia? Situation in the northern department.
The Rhode Island expedition not promising. The Boston. Wants power
over navy officers. Captain McNeilPs conduct and an inquiry. News
of a northern victory.
October 24. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 373
Only rumors from the northward. On the confederation. Plan of
taxes.
October 26. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 374
Success to the northward and on the Delaware. A day of public thanks-
Contents xxvii
giving. Letter from Jonathan Mifflin on defence of Red Bank. Howe's
handbill on Burgoyne.
October 29. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 375
Defence of Red Bank. Articles of confederation and their provisions.
Leave of absence. Arts of flattery. Question of a governor. The prison
ers from Saratoga. The victory. Currency and taxation.
October 30. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 377
Hancock's speech on leaving chair.
November 4. SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 378
Hancock's speech. Debate on motions.
November 29. ARTHUR LEE TO 379
Mismanagement of commercial affairs in France. Efforts of Lee to se
cure better methods. Deane's jealousy and neglect of Lee. House at
Passy. Extravagance of agents. Suspicious of French court.
Illustrations
JAMES WARREN Frontispiece
From a portrait by John Singleton Copley in the possession of Wins-
low Warren.
JAMES OTIS, JR., TO JAMES OTIS, SR., 1743 I
From the Warren Papers.
CAPTAIN JOHN DERBY 84
From a silhouette in the possession of Dr. Frederick Cheever Shattuck.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN, 1775 118
From the Warren Papers.
PLEDGE OF SECRECY BY THE MEMBERS OF THE CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS, 1775-1777 126
From the original in the Library of Congress.
TITLEPAGE OF MERCY WARREN'S The Group 1 68
From the original in the Massachusetts Historical Society.
MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MERCY WARREN, 1776 200
From the Warren Papers.
TlTLEPAGES OF THE PHILADELPHIA AND BOSTON ISSUES OF
JOHN ADAMS' Thoughts on Government, 1776 230
JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN, 1774 294
From the Warren Papers.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN, 1777 330
From the Warren Papers.
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN, 1775 358
From the Warren Papers.
Prefatory Note
THE letters in these volumes are drawn from two sources. Those ad
dressed to James or Mercy Warren are in the possession of Mr. Winslow
Warren, a member of this Society; those written by James Warren to
John Adams are in the Adams Papers, the trustees1 of which courteously
permitted them to be used.
Material so abundant and historically rich needed no additions from
other collections. No other single correspondence of the period offers
such a picture of the hopes and fears of the patriot faction, or of the
transactions in Continental Congress and in Massachusetts General
Court, by leading participants. More than half of the letters were written
before the peace of 1783, and for the period of war the subjects treated
are those of greatest concern to the "rebellious" colonies and independent
states. After 1783 the letters become less consistent but not less inti
mate and come from a wider circle. The interest is maintained to the
end. The series not only presents an exchange of views and a relation
of incident in full freedom of almost family intercourse, but it adds much
to what has been known of the motives of the conduct of public char
acters, and the estimation in which they were held. Each writer is
strongly individual, keenly alive to what was passing, a good reporter and
a strong adherent to the cause of the War for Independence.
Letters which passed between John Adams and Mercy Warren, July-
August, 1807, on her History of the American Revolution^ were printed in
5 Mass. Hist. Collections, iv. 315, and are not reprinted in these volumes.
The introductory note to those letters, written by Mr. Charles Francis
Adams, Sr., may profitably be read in this connection.
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD.
BOSTON, April, 1917
1 Messrs. Charles Francis Adams, Henry Adams, Brooks Adams, and Charles Francis
Adams, 2d.
WARREN-ADAMS LETTERS
JAMES OTIS, JR. TO JAMES OTIS, SENR
BOSTON, June the lyth, 1743.
HONOURED SIR, — I wrote to you the nth Currant, but omit
ted Some Things which I Shall now enumerate viz. 15 Shillings
for Printing Theses, for three Quarters shoing 24 shillings, for a
Sett of Buckles 15 shillings, and if I make any manner of Entertain
ment there will be a great many things to buy, tho I shall not put
you to much Charge for that, not intending to keep much of a
commencement and what I do will be with Russell.1 Pray Sir send
me money Enough for I believe I Shall not write again before com
mencement. Your most Obedient Son,
JAMES OTis2
JAMES OTIS TO MERCY WARREN
DEAR SISTER, — I received yours informing me of the death of
sister Otis.3 I am heartily grieved for brother and his children.
Their loss can never be made up. I am more and more convinced
of the vanity of things under the sun. Hope we shall all be pre
pared for a better state. 1 can truly say I long to indulge to those
feelings of tenderness and humanity that are proper as far as pos
sible at all times, and never more so than in mourning with and
comforting our friends and relations under their afflictions. But
1 Lothrop Russell, a classmate (1725-1745).
2 Otis (1725-1783) had been prepared for college under the care of the Rev. Jonathan
Russell, of West Barnstable, and entered at Cambridge, June, 1739. He took his degree of
A.B. in 1743, and that of A.M. three years later.
3 Rebecca Sturgis, wife of Joseph Otis (1726-1810).
W^arren- Adams Letters
alas, hard is my case. Dear sister, for near two years I have not
had it in my power to spend any time for myself; it has been taken
up for others and some of them perhaps will never thank me. The
time however I hope is at hand when I shall be relieved from a
task I shall never envy any man who in performing it shall pass
the anxious wearisome days and nights which I have seen. This
country must soon be at rest, or may be engaged in contests that
will require neither the pen nor the tongue of a lawyer.
The enemies of our peace entertain hopes we shall get no relief
from home, but I am positive all appearances are against them.
If we are to be slaves the living have only to envy the dead, for
without liberty I own I desire not to exist here. I think I have
written you diverse letters within the period you mention and will
write "you many more.
This you may depend on, no man ever loved a sister better, and
among all my conflicts I never forget that I am endeavoring to
serve you and yours.
My love to my dear brother Warren. Tell him to give himself
no concern about the scurrilous piece in Tom Fleet's paper; l it
has served me as much as the song did last year. The Tories are
all ashamed of this as they were of that. The author is not yet
certainly known, tho' I think I am within a week of detecting him
for certain. If I should, shall try to cure him once for all by string
ing him up, not bodily, but in such a way as shall gibbet his
memory to all generations in Terrorem. It lies between Barnard,2
Waterhouse 3 and Jona. Sewall.4 The first they say has not wit
1 This refers to a long communication, without title or signature, printed in the Boston
Evening Post, March 31, 1766. Under the name of Bluster, Otis is described, and in terms
even more scurrilous than was usual at that time. It opens and closes with the words
"So! Jemmy — so! so! Jemmy — well — well," etc., which may give the clue to the "song
of last year." For in the same paper, May 13, 1765, appeared the " Jemmibullero: a Frag
ment of an Ode of Orpheus." One of the lines reads "and Jemmy blusters all the morn."
See Tudor, Life of James Otis, 239.
2 John Barnard (?), a refugee from Boston in 1776.
3 Samuel Waterhouse, of Boston, an officer of the customs, and described by John Adams
as "the most notorious scribbler, satirist, and libeller in the service of the conspirators
against the liberties of America." He embarked for Halifax at the evacuation of Boston by
the British, and was in London in November, 1776, dining with other Loyalists at the Lon
don Coffee House, on Lord Mayor's day. In 1778 he was among those proscribed and ban
ished by Massachusetts, and in 1779 addressed the King in a loyalist petition. Waterhouse
was probably the writer of the article.
4 Jonathan Sewall, the attorney general of Massachusetts.
1767] Warren- Adams Letters 3
enough to write anything; the second swears off, and the third must
plead guilty or not guilty so soon as I see him. I should have been
with you before now but was concerned at the Supr. Court at
Charlestown, not knowing but they would go on.
Next week they sit here and must stay to know what they will
do. Besides till matters are settled in England I dare not leave
the Town, as men's minds are in such a situation that every nerve
is requisite to keep things from running to some irregularity or im
prudence, and some are yet wishing for an opportunity to hurting
the country. I am your very affectionate Brother,
J. OTIS
April II, 1766.
JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS 1
DEAR SIR, — The Liberties of our Common Country appear to
me to be at this moment exposd to the most imminent Danger;
and this Apprehension has engag'd me to lay my Sentiments be
fore the Public in Letters, of which I send you a Copy.2
Only one has yet been published and what there Effect may be,
cannot yet be known; but whenever the Cause of American Free
dom is to be vindicated, I look towards the Province of Massa
chusetts Bay. She must, as she has hitherto done, first kindle the
Sacred Flame, that on such occasions must warm and illuminate
the Continent.
Words are wanting to express my sense of the Vigilance, Per
severance, Spirit, Prudence, Resolution, and Firmness, with which
your Colony has distinguished herself, in our unhappy Times.
May God ever grant her noble Labors the same successful Issue,
which was obtain'd by the Repeal of the Stamp-Act.
In my Gratitude to your Province in general, I do not forget
the Obligations, which all Americans are under to you in particu-
1 This and the three letters following were found among Mrs. Warren's correspondence.
Otis and Dickinson had served together in the Stamp Act Congress of October, 1765.
2 The first of the "Farmer's Letters" appeared in the Pennsylvania Chronicle, Decem
ber 2, 1767, and the series continued to February 15, 1768. The first of the series, with
some omissions, appeared in the Boston Evening Post, December 21, 1767, and the later
letters followed in quick succession. See the "bibliographical note" in Paul L. Ford, Life
and Writings of John Dickinson, n. 279.
4 Warren- Adams Letters [1768
lar, for the indefatigable Zeal and undaunted Courage you have
shewn in defending their Rights. My Opinion of your Love for
your Country induces me to commit to your hands the inclos'd
Letters, to be dispos'd of as you think proper, not intending to
give out any other Copy. I have shewn them to three Men of
Learning here, who are my Friends. They think, with me, that the
most destructive Consequences must follow, if these Colonies do
not instantly, vigorously, and unanimously unite themselves, in
the same manner they did against the Stamp Act. Perhaps they
and I are mistaken. I therefore send the Peice containing the
Reasons for this Opinion, to you, who I know can determine its
True worth; and if you can discover no other merit in it, permit
me at Least to claim the merit of having wrote it, with the most
ardent affection for the British Colonies, the purest intentions to
promote their Welfare, an honest Desire to assert there Rights,
and with a deep sense of their impending Misfortunes.
Our Cause is a cause of the highest Dignity. It is nothing Less,
than to maintain the Liberty with which Heav'n itself "hath
made us free." I hope it will not be disgrac'd in any Colony, by a
single rash Step. We have constitutional methods of seeking
Redress; and they are the best Methods.
This Subject Leads me to inform you with Pleasure, because I
think it must give you Pleasure, that the Moderation of your Con
duct in composing the Minds of your Fellow-Citizens, has done
you the highest Credit with us; you may be assured I feel a great
satisfaction in hearing your praises; for ev'ry Thing that advances
your Reputation or Interest, will always afford sincere Joy, to,
Dear Sir, your most affectionate, and most hble Servt
JOHN DICKINSON
PHILADELPHIA, December 5th, 1767.
JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS
{January 25, 1768.] 1
DEAR SIR, — I have just received your Favor of the first of this
Month, and am extremely happy in finding myself so much
I The date is obtained from the endorsement.
Warren- Adams Letters
esteemed by you. I very sincerely return you the kind Wishes you
make for me; and am particularly oblig'd to you, for the attention
you have been pleas'd to bestow on the Papers, I ventur'd to trou
ble You with.
I have made several alterations in the Copy, from which, that
I sent to you, was taken: And the only correct one published here,
is printed in the Pensylvania Gazette of Hall and Sellers. I find that
the "Letters" publish'd to the Eastward, are taken from our
Chronicle,1 which being incorrect, I should be glad if you would be
so kind as to mention to any of the Printers you may happen to
see, that the Gazette is much the most exact.
I have great hopes from what I hear, that nothing more is want
ing, in order to rouse our Country-men, into a proper vindication
of their just Rights, than those Examples of public Spirit, which
"the cold Regions of the North" have been us'd to give to the
languid Latitudes of the South. . . . 2
JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS
DEAR SIR, — I beg you will pardon the Liberty I take, in de
siring you to add to the favors you have already conferrd upon
me, by transmitting the inclos'd to your much honor'd Fellow-
Citizens.3 To attempt to express my sense of the Obligations I
owe them, would lead me to many words, which after all my
Labors would convey but an extremely faint Idea of what I feel.
Permit me therefore to wave the Subject, by rendering to you,
now deservedly placed at the Head of such excellent Citizens, my
most hearty Thanks for the kind offices which I am sure your
friendship has lately performed towards me. Retain I beseech you
a Place for me in your affections, notwithstanding the Distance
by which I am so unhappily seperated from you. I desire this the
more boldly, because I am certain that I profess two Qualities,
that render any man dear to You. I mean, an inextinguishable
I The Boston Evening Post reprinted from the Chronicle.
^ The rest of the letter is missing.
3 This refers to a letter addressed by Mr. Dickinson on this day to the "very respectable
inhabitants of the town of Boston," expressing the "reverential gratitude" with which he
had received the "very great honor you have been pleased to confer upon me by your late
letter." Dickinson's communication is printed in the Boston Evening Post, May 2, 1768.
6 W^arren- Adams Letters [1768
Love for my Country in General, and a particular affection for the
town of Boston. May God almighty grant her all the prosperity a
people can know, and that she may always retain that esteem for
me, which is the great Ornament of my Life, and the great Delight
of my Soul.
With the utmost Satisfaction I can acquaint you, that all
America is rousing in Assertion of her Liberty. I am this moment
told that the Assembly of Virginia have just published the most
spirited Resolves.1 A second Defeat of Greenvillian Art and
Malice, I trust in heaven, will convince Great-Britain, that it is
as difficult to cheat as to fright us into Servitude, and that she
ought to leave us in the peaceable Enjoyment of that Liberty,
which Americans receiv'd with their Birth, and are resolv'd to re
tain till their Death.
With the Sincerest Wishes for your Happiness, I am Dear
Sir, Your most affectionate and most humble Servant
JOHN DICKINSON
PHILADELPHIA, April nth, 1768.
P.S. This is the best made Pensylvania paper I can get.
JOHN DICKINSON TO JAMES OTIS
[July, 1768]
MY DEAR SIR, — Hearing of a Vessel sailing for your Port, I
inclose To you the Message of Govr. Sharpe to the Assembly of
Maryland, with their Answer.2 I hope they will very quickly come
to your Hands and give sincere Pleasure to you and your glorious
Fellow-Citizens, by shewing what a wretched Success, the vile at
tempt of an infamous Administration, to disunite the Colonies,
has met with.
I write in a great Hurry. May God almighty prosper all the
1 Probably the resolutions entered in the Journals of the House of Burgesses, April 7,
1768. They provided for an humble and dutiful petition to the King, and a memorial to
Parliament, among other things, to "assert with decent Firmness, becoming Freemen, but
at the same Time with great Deference to the Wisdom of Parliament, the Rights of the
Colonists to be bound by such Laws only, respecting their internal Polity or Taxation, as
are consented to by Representatives chosen by themselves; And to represent that we can
not but consider several late Acts of the British Legislature, imposing Duties and Taxes
to be collected in the Colonies, as an Infringement of those Rights."
2 Journals of the Maryland House of Delegates, June 25, 1768.
1769] U^arren- Adams Letters 7
Undertakings of Boston, and may her virtue save not only herself,
but those miserable deluded people, who are willing to embrace
Destruction. I am with inexpressible Affection, Dear Sir, yr
humble servt.1
Please to inform me, whether it is indisputable, that a Pension has
been granted to Govr. Hutchinson, out of the American Revenue.
I should be very glad, if it is possible, to have the Words of the
Grant.2
CATHARINE MACAULAY 3 TO JAMES OTIS
LONDON, April 27, 1769.
SIR, — - Your patriotic conduct and great Abilities in defence of
the rights of your fellow Citizens claim the respect and admiration
of every Lover of their Country and Mankind. The principles on
which I have written the History of the Stewart Monarchs are I
flatter myself in some measure correspondent to those of the
great Guardian of American Liberty. To you, Sir, as one of the
most distinguished of that Number I offer a Copy of this Work.
I beg leave to assure you that every partizan of liberty in this
Island "simpathizes with their American Brethren: have a strong
sense of their Virtues and a tender feeling for their sufferings, and
that their is none among us in whom such a disposition is stronger
than in myself. I shall be very glad to have the Honour of an ac-
1 The signature has been cut from the original.
2 It was the intention to defray the salaries of the civil list in America by the proceeds
of the Townshend Duties. Thomas Pownall wrote to Hutchinson, from London, Septem
ber 9, 1767: "However, I may venture to explain to you the first part of his [Duke of Graf-
ton's] letter. It is meant that you shall have a handsome salary fixed as Chief Justice, as
soon as the American revenue shall create a fund. ] think on that occasion it would be
right to solicit a patent from the Crown for that place." A knowledge of the proposed
salaries soon reached Massachusetts, and much was made of it in the circular letter of the
Legislature to Deberdt in January, 1768. It served a purpose in the hands of the faction
when Hutchinson's name came up for re-election to the Governor's Council, as Bernard
explained to the Earl of Hillsborough: "In this interval, the two chief heads of the faction
(Otis and Adams) told the House that the Lieutenant Governor was a pensioner of Great
Britain, and averred that he had a warrant from the Lords of the Treasury for two hundred
pounds a year out of the new duties which they were then opposing. This being urged in a
manner which left no opportunity or time for refutation or explanation, gave a turn against
him, so that, upon the second polling, he had ten votes less than before."
3 Catharine (Sawbridge) Macaulay, known after her second marriage as Catharine
Macaulay Graham (1731-1791). Four volumes of her History of England from the Acces
sion of James I had appeared before the date of this letter.
8 W^arren- Adams Letters
count from your own hand of the present state of American affairs
and am, Sir, with high admiration for your Virtues, Your Most
Obedient Humble Servant
CATHARINE MACAULAY
When you favour me with an answer if you please to send it to
Messieurs Dilly,1 Bookseller in the Poultry, London, the pro
prietors of my History of England.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, March 25, 1771.
MY DEAR SIR, — I am affraid you have before this time sus
pected that I have not that warm Affection for you, which I have
professed; ungrateful as I may appear to have been, in neglecting
to acknowledge the Letter I received from you of the 9 Jan'y- last,
I think it is a sufficient apology to say that it was not in my Power
to write anything that could please or profit you. I have been
waiting for news from England worth informing you of, but in vain
till yesterday when a Letter from Dr. Franklin to the Speaker as
sured us that our Enemies there have at length laid aside the
thoughts of vacating our Charter in form; 2 but this can afford no
sort of Consolation to us if the people should be disposed to com
pliment away the essential Rights of it as often as a ministerial
Minion shall take it in his head to require it.
Your Letter expresses a noble Spirit of Resentment which I
cannot but admire; but when you once spoke the Language of
Despair, allow me to tell you, it gave me offence. Can you think
that this Country is to be finally subdued by a man 3 who never
possessed real Greatness, etc. and with all his Art could never
counterfeit it?
You compare him to Julius Caesar, that publick Executioner of
his Countrys Rights: He has, it is true, Caesars Ambition and
Lust of Power; but who ever yet suspected that he had Caesars
1 Edward Dilly (1732-1779), said to have been an admirer of the person as well as of the
politics of Mrs. Macaulay. He had as a partner in the publishing business, his brother,
Charles Dilly (1739-1807).
2 See Franklin to Thomas Gushing, February 5, 1771, in Writings of Franklin (Smyth),
v. 292.
3 Thomas Hutchinson.
1 77 1] Warren-Adams Letters 9
courage? Recollect the time when he was oblig'd to abandon his
Troops, by which he had hoped to awe the People: It was then, if
Fancy deceived me not, I observ'd his Knees to tremble. I thought
I saw his face grow pale (and I enjoyd the Sight) at the Appearance
of the determined Citizens peremptorily demanding the Redress of
Grievances. Did he then discover such an intrepid mind, as a man
must be possessed of who can reduce a free People to slavery? I
confess, we have, as Wolfe expressd it, a Choice of Difficulties; but
they rather make one fretful than desperate. If the People are at
present hushd into Silence, is it not a sort of sullen Silence, which
is far from indicating your Conclusion, that the glorious Spirit of
Liberty is vanquishd and left without hope but in miracles. It is
the Effect of a mistaken Prudence, which springs from Indolence or
Cowardice or Hypocricy or I know not what, in those who should
point out to them the constitutional Methods of Opposition to
arbitrary Power. Too many are affraid to appear for the publick
Liberty, and would fain flatter themselves that their Pusilanimity
is true Prudence. For the sake of their own Ease or their own
Safety, they preach the People into paltry Ideas of Moderation:
But in perilous times like these, I cannot conceive of Prudence
without Fortitude; and the Man who is not resolvd to encounter
and overcome Difficulties when the Liberty of his Country is
threatend, no more deserves the Character of a Patriot, than an
other does that of a Soldier who flies from his Standard.
I expect that many who to gain the popular applause have bore
the name of Whigs, will adore the rising Sun: They will fawn and
flatter and even lick the Dust of their Masters feet: But you and I
acknowledge no Master; and I trust there are more than seven
Thousand who will scorn to bow the Knee of Servility.
I joyn with you in resolving to persevere with all the little
Strength we have and preserve a good Conscience: It is no Dis
honor to be in a minority in the Cause of Liberty and Virtue : When
the Multitude desert that Cause, we will look down upon them
with all that Contempt, which our Caesar has been wont to cast
upon them when they were virtuous and free. Magna est Veritas
et praevalebit. Our Sons, if they deserve it, will enjoy the happy
Fruits of their Fathers Struggles.
io Warren- Adams Letters [177*
The horrid Massacre of the 5th of March, 1770, is to be com
memorated on Tuesday the 2 of April next, by an Oration to be
deliverd at Faneuil Hall by Mr. James Lovel.1
Mrs. Adams joyns in Compliment to Mrs. Warren. I am
sincerely Your Friend,
SAM ADAMS
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, April 13, 1772
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter
of the 4th Instant.
The Session began with a motion made by a friend of mine, that
a Message go up to the Govr to pray him that in Consideration of
the many Inconveniences that attend the sitting of the Court at
Cambridge, he would be pleasd to remove it to its ancient usual and
only convenient Seat, the Court house in Boston. This we opposd
with firmness as tacitly giving up our own main principles. There
were 57 members and we obtaind a Majority against the Question
of Nine Members including myself who acted as Moderator, Mr.
Speaker Cushing being absent.2 The other particulars together
with the Speech and Answer you will see in the inclosd paper. The
Tories I believe are greatly disconcerted, as I hope they always
will be.
I am much obligd for your Care in procurng for me a Boy. I
shall be ready to receive him about the middle of next month and
shall take the best care of him that shall be in my Power till he is
14 years old, perfecting him in his reading and teaching him to
write and cypher if capable of it under my own Tuition for I can
not spare him the time to attend School. Will strictly regard his
Morals and at the End of the time I will if his parents shall desire
it, seek a good place for him to learn such a Trade as he and they
shall chuse.
1 Then Usher of the Grammar-School. This oration, the first of a series of commemora
tion addresses, was printed in a quarto, with appropriate mourning borders, by order of the
Town of Boston.
2 The motion is printed in the Journals, April 8, 1772, but the name of the mover is not
given.
177*] Warren+Adam* Letters \ \
My dear Mrs Adams 1 joyns with me in expressing the sincerest
thanks to Mrs Warren for her kind Letter of Condolence. To
mingle Sorrows is the part of a friend only. Those who are not
possessd of the inextinguishable Principle of real friendship are
Strangers to the pleasure of sharing in Affliction. What is Life
without Friendship! To partake in the Joys of the rude World is
often dangerous but seldom satisfactory. The Tears of sincere
friendship are refreshing like gentle Showers after a scorching
Drought and always produce the harvest of solid Comfort.2
I write in great haste. Hope to see you soon your affectionate
friend,
SAMUEL ADAMS
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, November 4, 1772
MY DEAR SIR, — I have not at present time or Inclination to
take up your thots in complaining of Tyrants and Tyranny. It is
more than Time that this Country was rid of both. Your Colleague
and the Newspapers will inform you of the Transactions of this
Town at a late Meeting,3 and your opinion of Hutchinson, if it is
necessary, may be confirmd. The Town thought it proper to take,
what the Tories apprehend to be leading Steps. We have long had
it thrown in our faces, that the Country in general is under no such
fears of Slavery, but are well pleasd with the measures of Adminis
tration, that the Independency of the Governor and Judges is a
mighty harmless and even a desireable Manoeuvre. In order to
ascertain the Sense of the People of the province a Committee is
appointed, of which our Patriot Otis is Chairman,4 to open a free
1 Elizabeth Wells (1736-1806).
2 Hannah Winthrop wrote to Mercy Warren, June 22, 1772, "I think it surprising that
Candidates for another state and even those dignified with high stations and vested with
power can be willing to be so blinded by ambition and love of domination as to give up the
heartfelt satisfaction of making happy, and losing the esteem of their fellow men. The
General Court is indeed carried to Boston but done with so ill a grace as entirely destroys
all the Merit of it."
3 The meeting was held October 28, and the proceedings are given in the Boston Gazette,
November 2, 1772.
4 The committee consisted of twenty-one persons. A notice was issued as a handbill ot
a town meeting to be held November 20.
12 Warren- Adams Letters
Communication with every town. A State of Rights with the viola
tion of them is to be reported by this Committee, and transmitted
to each Town. I wish our Mother Plymouth would see her way
clear to have a Meeting and second Boston by appointing a Com
mittee of Communication and Correspondence. The sooner this is
done, I think, the better.1 I have receivd Letters from Marble-
head, Newburyport, etc. fraught with manly Resentment. When
ever the friends of the Country shall be assured of each others
Sentiments, that Spirit which is necessary will not be wanting. I
have scribbled in great haste and am without Ceremony. Your
friend, ^^
S.\^^HfcAMs
Pray write me by the first opportunity.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, Nov. 27, 1772
MY DEAR SIR, — I herewith inclose you a printed Copy, as far
as it is workd off, of the Proceedings of this Town. The Selectmen of
Plymouth will have it sent to them as soon as the Printers can
finish it. The Tories are taking all imaginable Pains, to disparage
it in the Minds of the other Towns. I am under no apprehensions
with Regard to Plymouth. The Copy of your Petition was very
acceptable to me; I have publishd it in three of our Papers, and
the Friends of Liberty are highly pleasd with the Spirit of it. I am
very desirous of knowing the consequent Proceedings of the Town
though I doubt not but you have acted your part well. There is a
Peice in Drapers paper under the Signature I. H.2 said to be wrote
1 A petition for a meeting, signed by a hundred of the reputable inhabitants of Plymouth,
was presented to the selectmen on November 13, 1772. The meeting was not held until
November 24, when a standing committee of communication, with James Warren as
chairman, was named. The petition will be found in the Boston Evening Post, November
23, 1772.
2 Printed in the Massachusetts Gazette, November 26, 1772. It is dated H-ng-m, Nov.
24, 1772, and contains the following reference to Plymouth: "I expect some of your writers
will say that a doting old Fellow has published what he supposes to be the Mind of one
Tory Town only, and that the country in general and his neighbouring Town of Plymouth
in particular is of another mind. But it is a mistake, Mr. Draper, for as for the Town of
Plymouth, I know many of the best Men in Plymouth who never would sign their Petition
for a Town-Meeting; and if I was to speak my Mind I should say it was handed to them
from a Town forty Miles off by a certain Creed-maker, who I hear drew up the circular Let-
1772] Warren- Adams Letters 13
in Hingham; If I could believe this, I should think it was the
genuine Production of Deacon H — y's Genius, it is much like the
Rant which you and I have heard. I rather think however it was
"fabricated" in the Cabal. You are particularly interested, in
behalf of your Town, to take Notice of it. The same paper im
pudently "reports" that there were not twenty men at the Town
meeting besides the Selectmen and some of the Committee when
the Letter was passed, which you may rely upon to be false, as
hundreds who were present can testify.1 You know the Tories
have a "scurvy trick of lying" to serve the Purposes of Despotism.
The To^ipf Roxbury have appointed a Committee of Nine to
take iriB^iisideration the proceedings of this Town, five of this
CommB Bre said to be Whigs, on the other side are Isaac Win-
slow2 a«BHM^fc|ayo,3 who was foreman of the Grand Jury who
cleard the Soldi^^and afterwards was advanced to the Rank of
or of the Regiment, though our Friend Heath (who is of this
Committee) thought himself, and in the Opinion of Major Genl.
Brattle 4 was, degraded thereby. Cap. Heath 5 bids me expect that
matters will go right at the adjournment of their Meeting. On his
Zeal and Integrity as well as good Sense you know we may rely. I
hear that Marblehead is to have a Meeting next Week.6 I have re
ceived favorable accounts from our worthy friend Mr. Gerry,7 and
hope for good Tidings from thence.
ter that is to be sent from the Metropolis to all the Towns in the Province. And I am well
informed that nothing is like to be acted in any of the Towns below Plymouth relative to
those Matters." A reply from Plymouth was printed in the Boston Gazette, December 21,
1772.
1 " It is reported with some Confidence, that when the Vote passed for sending the Letter
of Correspondence, which was about ten o'clock Friday Evening, there was not twenty Men
present, beside the Gentlemen Selectmen and some of the Committee, and that not Ten
Persons voted for it. The country ought to be satisfied whether the Report be true or false."
In the Gazette of December 7 is a reply signed by six Selectmen asserting that "there was a
very respectable number of the inhabitants, who attended the meeting through the day;
and when the letter, which had been twice read and amended in the meeting, was accepted
and voted to be sent, it appeared to us, and we are well satisfied, that there were not less
than three hundred inhabitants present, and in the opinion of others the number was much
larger." See also "Candidus" in the Gazette of December 14, 1772.
2 (1709- ). 3 Joseph Mayo, of Roxbury.
4 William Brattle (1706- ).
5 William Heath, afterwards Major-General. He was now the representative of Rox
bury in the General Assembly.
6 The meeting was held on December 8, and the resolutions are printed in the Boston
Gazette, December 14, 1772.
7 Elbridge Gerry.
14 Warren- Adams Letters
My dear Sir, we must exert ourselves to awaken our Country
men to a Sense of the danger they are in of immediate and perhaps
irrecoverable Ruin. Every kind of Opiate is administerd daily
which our Enemies can invent. If the Old Colony fails, I shall be
apprehensive indeed; but I will not entertain the Thought while
Coll. Warren and others, tho' few, remain in it. I have wrote in
great Haste and must now conclude. Yours,
SAML ADAMS
Pray write by the first Opportunity.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, Deer 9, 1772
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter
of yesterday date, this Morning, by the Hands of our Friend, Mr.
Lothrop. Am much obligd to you for the pains you took in dis
tributing the Letters sent to your Care. I am very sorry to find in
your Letter anything that discovers in you the least approach
towards Despair. Nil desperandum. That is a Motto for you and
rne. All are not dead; and where there is a Spark of patriotick
J fire, we will enkindle it. Say you, that the Tories spare no pains to
^disparage our Measures? I knew they would, and should have
greatly doubted of the Importance of the Measures if they had not
been much nettled.
The Sachem of Chesemuttock is a Bastard, and has none of the
Blood of his ancient Predecessors running in his Veins, he is pitifull,
contemptible. I am glad your promising young Genius has under
taken to chastize the Hingham Writer,1 though I could wish he
had a fitter Subject to employ his pen. Who knows but he may rise
to be one day, under God, the Savior of his Country. You "wish
that our Measures would take a general Run." So do I; and I be
lieve they will. Could you think that Lancaster would fall in with
them? If they should, what Prospects would you not entertain of
other Towns? I have a verbal Message from a sensible Whig there,
that he expected they would act with Spirit, and that even the
Tories there exclaim against the Independency of the Judges.
I He signed "From a Lover of Truth and his Country."
1772] Warren-Adams Letters 15
The Selectmen of Medford have unanimously agreed to call a
Meeting of their Town. Charlestown have met, and appointed a
Committee to consider the Independency, and report three Weeks
hence.1 Our Pamphlet was read and upon the Motion of your
Cousin, the Consideration of it was referrd till March Meeting!
I expect every Moment to hear from Marblehead; they had their
Meeting the day before yesterday; it is reported that they have
appointed a Committee to write to ours, after the good Example
of Plymouth, and that Coll. Orne 2 and Mr. Gerry are of the Com
mittee, two Gentlemen whose good Sense and Integrity as well as
firmness I think may be much relyed upon. Roxbury I have Rea
son to hope will terminate Matters well at their Adjournment next
Monday. There has been no Dissension among the friends of the
Cause here. None between my Brother Otis and myself. It is
likely this is one of the Tory Lies at Plymouth. It may arise from
some of the Whigs refusing when nominated to be of our Com
mittee; but I believe most of them were then unaware of the evil
Tendency of their Conduct. Mr. Cushing has frequently met with
the Committee, and appears to be hearty in forwarding the Meas
ure. I am informd that your own Minister refused, when desired,
to read the Letter of this Town; You will excuse me if I whisper
in your Ear, that in my opinion it would have done as much Good
as one of his Sermons, the Benefit of which however you would not
have been deprived of.
The Tories are determined to play a poor hand to the best Ad
vantage; they are therefore for instructing the Representatives to
prevent the Independency of the Judges taking place; but it must
be done by enlarging their Salaries, which would be a tacit ac
knowledgment of a Right in the Crown and making a mean Bar
gain. This Manoeuvre in my Opinion is most to be apprehended.
I rest with Esteem Yours affectionately
S. ADAMS
I See Frothingham, History of Charlfstoivn, 286. 2 Azor Orne.
1 6 Warren- Adams Letters [1773
HANNAH WINTHROP 1 TO MERCY WARREN
Jany 4, 1773
DEAR MRS. WARREN, — Your kind Favor of Novr 13 was
truly animating. That noble patriotic spirit which sparkles thro
your agreeable Letter must certainly warm the heart that has the
least Sensibilities, especially must it invigorate a mind Possest of
a like Fellow feeling for this once happy Country. But as my mind
is too often apt to harbor gloomy Ideas I very much Fear whether
the last Noble exertion of those truly Patriotic Spirits who have
formed a newly established Correspondence will meet with the
desird Success. What a spirit of contradiction and Toryism do we
see prevailing! how often do we see people blind to their own in
terests Precipitately madding on to their own destruction.
I think one of the most extraordinary Political Maneuvers this
Century has produced is the Ministerial Mandate to the New-
portians for transporting them a thousand Leagues for Trial.
0 America you have reason to tremble and arouse if we of this side
of the Atlantic are not able to say to this Royal Vengeance, hitherto
shalt thou go and no further, here shall thy proud Waves be stayd.
1 should rejoice to see the Plymothean Spirit prevail which dis
covers such a Noble disinterested Virtue and such a sacred regard
to rights purchasd at the expence of every thing Valuable by those
persevering Self denying Patriarchs who if permitted to be Specta
tors of these Terrestrial Scenes must view those of their Sons who
set so little Value upon the dear bought purchases with displeasure.
Many are waiting impatiently the meeting of our Assembly ear
nestly wishing they may be endued with that Spirit of True Lib
erty and independance which they have discoverd on former
Occasions. I hope Coll. Warren wont fail of favoring his Country
with his presence at that important Crisis where every eye will be
upon our Political Fathers. . . .
i Hannah Fayerweather, widow of Farr Tolman of Boston. She was Prof. John Win-
throp's second wife.
1773] Warren- Adams Letters 17
HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN
CAMBRIDGE, April 12, 1773
\
I must now give you joy on the diffusion of that noble Spirit of
Liberty we have Lately seen exhibited. Our house of Commons
deserve immortal Praise. What a disinterested Largeness of Soul
have they Shown. How happy the heart that has never opened
itself to the Flattering allurements of Ambition! that heart must
feel the Divine pleasure of communicating happiness to Posterity.
Free from the ignoble Satisfaction of aggrandising its little self
such heavenly Beneficence which extends its Views must be the
true Source of Felicity. I heartily wish a Perseverance in the Bliss
ful path and may every Avaritious Despot who aims at grasping
all the good things with which heaven meant to Bless Mankind
be made sensible he is not the only Figure of importance in the
Creation.
I have not been to the Capital for more than three months. I
suppose when I make my appearance I shall look not unlike one of
the last Century, at least like one unacquainted with Polite Life,
the encreasing dissipation the round of Elegant amusements which
are become the work of every Evening have not those Attractive
Charms for you and myself. Neither are we calld to support under
the intolerable dissapointment of not shining at a Concert or a Ball
by reason of the rude Season nor the mortifying loss of a Morgan
Lecture on Buffoonery. What a different circle do we tread? im
mured in the Country and yet happy perhaps in contemplating the
Lives of those who walkd the stage before us or perhaps improving
our Ideas by the rational Conversation of our Dear Preceptors.
Mine joyns me in the highest Esteem and best Compliments to
you and yours and hope to have the pleasure of a Visit from you
before long. As the Assembly were deprivd of Coll Warren's
presence and assistance the last Session 1 hope at the important
election he will be able to give his Personal Attendance. After my
kind love to the little boys you will give me Leave to subscribe
Yours Affectionately
HANNAH WINTHROP
1 8 barren- A dams Letters [1773
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BOSTON December 5 1773
MY DEAR MRS WARREN, —
You, Madam, are so sincere a Lover of your Country, and so
Hearty a Mourner in all her Misfortunes that it will greatly ag
gravate your anxiety to hear how much she is now oppressed and
insulted. To you who have so thoroughly looked thro the Deeds of
Men, and Develloped the Dark designs of a Rapatio 1 Soul.
No action however base or sordid, no measure however Cruel
and Villanous will be matter of any Surprize.
The Tea that bainfull weed is arrived. Great and I hope effec
tual opposition has been made to the landing of it. To the publick
papers I must refer you for particulars. You will there find that
the proceedings of our Citizens have been united spirited and firm.
The flame is kindled and like lightning it catches from Soul to
Soul. Great will be the devastation if not timely quenched or
allayed by some more Lenient Measures.
Altho the mind is Shocked at the thought of Sheding Humane
Blood, more especially the Blood of our Countrymen and a civil
war is of all wars the most dreadfull, Such is the present spirit that
prevails, that if once they are made desperate Many, very Many of
our Heroes will Spend their lives in the cause with the Speach of
Cato in their Mouths " what a pitty it is, that we can dye but once
to save our Country."
"Tender plants must bend but when a Government is grown to
strength like some old oak rough with its armed bark it yealds not
to the tug but only Nods and turns to Sullen State."
Such is the present Situation of affairs that I tremble when I
think what may be the direfull consequences. And in this Town
must the Scene of action lay, my Heart beats at every Whistle I
heartand I dare not openly express half my fears. Eternal Reproach
and Ignominy be the portion of all those who have been instru
mental in bringing these fears upon me. There has a Report pre-
I Rapatio is the name given by Mrs. Warren to Hutchinson in her play of "The Adu-
lateur," printed at Boston in 1773.
1773] Warren- Adams Letters 19
vaild that tomorrow there will be an attempt to land this weed of
Slavery. I will then write further till then my worthy friend adieu.
December II
Since I wrote the above a whole week has elapsed and nothing
new occurred concerning the tea. Having met with no opportu
nity of sending this I shall trespass further upon your patience. I
send with this the I volm of Moliere and should be glad of your
oppinion of them. I cannot be brought to like them. It seems to
me to be a general want of Spirit, at the close of every one I have
felt disappointed. There are no characters but what appear unfin
ished and he seems to have ridiculed vice without engageing us to
Virtue; and tho he sometimes makes us laugh, yet tis a Smile of in
dignation. There is one Negative Virtue of which he is possessed, I
mean that of Decency. His Cit, turnd Gentleman, among many
other has met with approbation. Tho I can readily acknowledge that
the cit by acting so contrary to his real character has displayed a
stupid vanity justly deserving ridicule, yet the fine Gentleman who
defrauds and tricks him is as much the baser character as his ad
vantages are superior to the others. Moliere is said to have been
an Honest Man, but Sure he has not coppied from his own Heart.
Tho he has drawn many pictures of real life, yet all pictures of life
are not fit to be exibited upon the Stage. I fear I shall incur the
charge of vanity by thus criticising upon an author who has met
with so much applause. You, Madam, I hope will forgive me. I
should not have done it if we had not conversd about it before.
Your judgment will have great weight with your Sincere Friend l
ABIGAIL ADAMS
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, Deer 28, 1773
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter
of the i6th Instant, but not till Eleven Days after it was written.
The pressing Invitation you have repeatedly given me, to your
I Letters from John Adams to James Warren, December 17 and 22, 1773, in this col
lection, arc printed in Life and Works of John Adams, ix. 333, 334.
20 Warren- Adams Letters [1773
annual Festivity, is very obliging. My Heart was much set upon
it; and I had prepared to go, with one of my Neighbors, a very
worthy Man, but was the Evening before prevented, not to say
forbid, by some of our Common Friends. You are sensible that I
am the Servant of all.
It is a great Consolation to find, that our Friends in the Coun
try approve of the Conduct of this and the Neighboring Towns at
the late Meetings. We are assured of this by the Letters we al
most daily receive. I think we have put our Enemies in the wrong;
and they must in the Judgment of rational Men, be answerable
for the Destruction of the Tea, which their own Obstinacy had
rendered necessary. Notwithstanding what your Tories have
given out, the People here are universally pleas'd, excepting the
disconcerted Hutchinson and his few, very few Adherents.
The Plymouth Letter and Resolves are highly applauded by
all the Friends of Liberty.1 The Protest,2 as you will of Course
easily perceive, is the subject of Contempt. One of the Signers has
already cryed, peccavi! and publishd his Recantation; and between
you and me, if the others whom they have pressd, or rather coaxd
into their Service, have no more to say for themselves than it
seems he has, the Party have Nothing to boast of.
We had yesterday the Return of Mr Revere who at the Request
of the Committee of Correspondence carried the important News
of the Fate of the Tea to New York. By him we are informed, that
a Tea Ship with 270 Chests had arrived at Charlestown, South
Carolina. The Inhabitants were determined she should return
with her detested Cargo. Before the Arrival of this and the News
from Boston, the Citizens of New York had got to be divided;
many of them being for storing the Tea. But immediately they
became united and determined that it should not be landed; and
Governor Tryon made a Virtue of Necessity and promisd that it
should be sent (when it arrivd) directly back to London. This
will operate much against Hutchinson; who, I think, in every part
of his Conduct, discovers the Want of those Abilities, which his
too liberal Countrymen have supposd him to have. The Ministry
1 See Massachusetts Gazette, December 20, 1773.
2 /£., December 27. It was presented by Edward Winslow.
1774] Warren- Adams Letters 21
could not have devisd a more effectual Measure to unite the Colo
nies. Our Committee have on this Occasion, opend a Correspond
ence with the three New England Colonies, besides New York and
Philadelphia. Old Jealousies are removed, and perfect Harmony
subsists between them. The Committee of the House seems to be
the only inactive Body. I am sorry to say it, tho to you only.
The General Assembly, I am informd will meet on the 26th of
next month. There is much to be done by the House and much
will be done, if Timidity does not prevent it. You must not fail,
with Mr. Lothrop l to attend. The Cause will suffer by your Ab
sence. The House will forfeit their Honor and the Confidence of
the virtuous Part of their Constituents, if they do not conduct
the Affair of the Judges in particular, with Dignity.
I must recommend your retracting Townsman to your Favor.
I dare say you can furnish us with some Anecdotes, respecting the
Protest. I hear that many Towns in the Country are calling
Meetings. The Instituting Committees of Correspondence will as
you predicted be attended with great and good Consequences. I
conclude in haste, with due Regards to Mr. Lothrop and other
honest Men. Your assured friend,
S. ADAMS
We are concernd that we hear nothing of the Tea at Cape Cod.
It is thought by some of our friends in London, that our Petition
against the great Delinquents will not be brot to a Hearing unless
they desire it, but that they will be removed, that Lord Dartmouth
will resign and Weymouth succeed him.
JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE Jan 3 1774
MADAM, — I remember that Bishop Burnet in a letter he once
wrote to Lady Rachell Russell, the virtuous Daughter of the great
Southampton, and unfortunate wife of Lord Russell who died a
Martyr to English Liberties, says, " Madam I never attempt to
write to you but my Pen conscious of its Inferiority falls out of my
Hand." The polite Prelate did not write to that excellent Lady in
I Isaac Lothrop.
22 Warren- Adams Letters [1774
so bold a figure with half the Sincerity that I could apply it to my
self when writing to Mrs. Warren.
I will however strive to grasp my Pen hard enough to write one
Line in answer to her kind Billet [of] December 30.
Mr. Adams assures Mrs. Warren, that nothing would have
given him greater Pleasure than a Visit to Plymouth at the late
Anniversary, but it was out of his Power. He thanks Mr. and Mrs.
Warren however most heartily for their very kind and repeated
Invitations. He shall think himself happy if he can find an oppor
tunity, before the Month of May to make a Visit to his Friends at
Plymouth, but it has been his Misfortune to have been so often
and so long absent from home for these twelve months past, that
he really thinks his Duty to his family oblige him to leave it as
little as possible.
Mrs. Warren is pleased to mention Mr. Adams's "needfull ap
plication to public, and his close Attention to private Business."
His private Business, Madam, has been totally annihilated these
twelve months past and more by the inauspicious course of public
affairs, and he has no kind of Prospect of its ever coming into
Existence again. He has therefore, learnt the important Lesson of
Resignation to what he cannot alter and should be very happy the
remainder of his Days to get his Bread by his Labour and Attention
to a Farm. He thinks he could shine as an industrious Farmer, but
he is too old to make a Figure in Arms the Profession to which we
must for the future perhaps be obliged for our Safety and our Lib
erty as much as formerly we were to that of the Law. If the Stand
ards should be erected and a Camp formed, however, ten to one
but he flies to it, but whether it will be for Shelter or as a Volunteer,
Time alone must discover.
He thanks Mrs. Warren most kindly for her friendly Wishes
for his Peace, Health, and Prosperity, and especially, when she
wishes that he may return Laden with the Applauses of his Coun
try, but most of all when she wishes he may return with a self
approving Mind. Of the last he is sure, if plain, direct, simple and
sincere Intentions to do what the cause of Truth, Justice Liberty
and Humanity according to his Conceptions require of him, at
whatever Hazard it may be can insure it, and as long as he shall
1774] Warren- Adams Letters 23
act upon these Principles he does not doubt of enjoying that sweet
est Music to an honest Ear the approbation of his Country, for
this is seldom refused to Integrity of Heart, how inconsiderable
soever the abilities that direct it. I am, Madam, with more esteem
than I have Power or Words to express your Friend and Servt
JOHN ADAMS
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. l ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, January the 3d, 1774
DEAR SIR, — I received your last,2 and am to acknowledge that
the Contents of it gave me great pleasure. Have for some time
thought it necessary that the People should strike some bold
stroke, and try the Issue. They have long enough submitted to
Oppressions and Insults following one another in a rapid Succes
sion without finding any Advantage. They have now indeed passed
the River, and left no Retreat, and must therefore abide the Con
sequences. What those will be seems to be the great matter of
Speculation, and as People are determined by Reason, or by the
frightful List of Scarecrows and Bug bears (mentioned in your last,
and which are employed on this Occasion) their speculations will
differ. As your Judgment will be regulated by the first I should be
glad to hear it. I think the Ministry have one way at least to
avoid the necessity of advancing or retreating at this time, and
that is by laying the Blame of the whole on their own, and East
India Company's Officers, which have drove the People to this
desperate step, and this Justice and Truth (Company they have
not been used to) will countenance them in. In what proportion
this Blame is to be laid to each may be adjusted among them, and
if they quarrel in the settlement of that matter, we may avail our
selves of the old Proverb. I admire Doane's reasoning, and if he
was not assisted by the Author of the Letter in the Methodical
Arraignment of his Propositions I think he reasoned better on this,
than any other Occasion. I made good use of your Letter without
mentioning the Author's Name, to encounter the Tory Bugbears
1 At Boston. "Per favour of Mr. Crosswell."
2 Letter of December 17, 1773. Printed in Life and Works of John Adams, ix. 333.
24 Warren- Adams Letters [1771-
and allay the frightful Apprehensions they had raised in some
minds, otherwise firm. I congratulate you on the Union of Senti
ment and Spirit prevailing through the Continent, which makes
even our Tory Protestors hang their Ears, and may in Time affect
the obdurate Heart and inveterate Resolution of H[utchinso]n
himself, especially when he finds himself forsaken by a Tryon.
The recantation made in Boston by one of our Protestors has sick-
ned some others. Divers of them intending to Boston last week
are still at home. I am inclined to think many or several others
here will follow his Example, tho' great Pains are taken to prevent
it 1
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BOSTON, March 31, 1774
MY DEAR SIR, — I have for some time past been waiting for the
arrival of a Ship from London, that I might have some thing of
Importance to communicate to you. No Ship has yet arrivd. I
cannot however omit writing to you by our worthy Friend Air.
Watson, by whom I receivd your obliging Letter of the 27 Instant.
Although we have had no Arrival from London directly to this
Place, we have heard from thence by the Way of Philadelphia as
you have doubtless observd in the Newspapers. The account they
first received of our Opposition to the East India Act as it is called,
particularly the Transactions at Liberty Tree, they treated with
Sneer and Ridicule, but when they heard of the Resolves of the
Body of the People at the Old South Meeting house the Place from
whence the Orders issued for the Removal of the Troops from this
Town in 1770, they put on grave Countenances. No Notice is
taken of America in the King's Speech. Our Tories, as you observe,
tell us to expect Regiments to be quartered among us. What
Measures an injudicious Ministry, (to say the least of them) will
take cannot easily at present be foreseen, it will be wise for us to
be ready for all Events, that we may make the best Improvement of
them. It is probable that Mr. Hutchinson will make the Death of
I A letter from Samuel Adams to James Warren, January 10, 1774, in this collection,
is printed in I Mass, Hist. Soc. Proceedings, xin. 205.
i774] Warren-Adams Letters 25
his Brother Oliver l a plea for postponing a Voyage to London,
and if troops should arrive it may be best ihat he should be [absent].
I never suffer my Mind to be overmuch [cut] prospects. Sufficient
for the Day is the Evil thereof. It is our Duty at all Hazards to
preserve the Publick Liberty. Righteous Heaven will graciously
smile on every manly and rational Attempt to secure that best of
all his Gifts to Man from the ravishing hand of lawless and brutal
Power.
Mr. Watson will inform you what Steps our Committee of Cor
respondence have taken with Regard to the Establishment of a
Post Office upon constitutional Principles. Mr. Goddard 2 who
brought us Letters from New York, Newport and Providence re
lating to that Subject, is gone with Letters from us on the same
Subject to the principal trading Towns as far as Portsmouth. I will
acquaint you with the state of the Affair when he returns, and our
Committee will, I doubt not, then write to yours. The Colonies
must unite to carry through such a Project, and when the End is
effected it will be a pretty grand Acquisition.
I refer you also to Mr. Watson, who can inform you respecting
one of your Protesters who has been in Town. The Tryumph of
your Tories as well as ours I hope is short. We must not however
boast as he that putteth off the Harness. H[utchinso]n is politi
cally sick and I fancy despairs of returning Health. The "lack-
learning" Judge 3 I am told is in the Horrors, and the late Lieu
tenant l (joynt Author of a late Pamphlet intitled Letters etc.4) a
few Weeks ago "died and was buried." Excuse me from enlarging
at Present. I intend to convince you that I am "certainly a Man
of my Word." In the Mean time with assurance of unfeigned
Friendship for Mrs. Warren and your agreeable Family in which
Mrs. Adams joyns me, I remain Yours Affectionately
S. ADAMS
1 Andrew Oliver, lieutenant governor, died March 3, 1774.
2 William Goddard (1740-1817), who made a petition on the subject to the Continental
Congress, October 5, 1774.
3 Peter Oliver (1713-1791), a brother of Andrew.
4 His letters, with those of Hutchinson and others, had been sent over from London by
Franklin, and published in Boston.
26 barren- Adams Letters [1774
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
MY DEAR SIR, — I beseech you to implore every Friend in
Boston by every thing dear and sacred to Men of Sense and Virtue
to avoid Blood and Tumult. They will have time enough to dye.
Let them give the other Provinces opportunity to think and resolve.
Rash Spirits that would by their Impetuosity involve us in un-
surmountable Difficulties will be left to perish by themselves
despisd by their Enemies, and almost detested by their Friends.
Nothing can ruin us but our Violence. Reason teaches this.
I have indubitable Intelligence, dreadful, as to the Designs against
us; consolatory, if we are but prudent.
These are the Sentiments of a man, who, you know, my dear
Sir, loves the People of Boston and that Government, with the
Tenderness of a Brother. I am your affectionate Friend.
[No signature.]
PHILADA, May 21, 1774.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, July the I4th, 1774
DEAR SIR, -- Yours of the 25th of last month 1 never reached
me till yesterday. It would have given me great pleasure to have
seen you when I returned from Salem,2 and I was really greatly dis
appointed to find you and Family gone, and more especially as I
was apprehensive I should have no other Opportunity of seeing
you, till the Time called for your Attendance at the Grand Coun
cil of America,3 an Assembly in my Opinion of as great Dignity and
Importance as any, either ancient or modern, that ever met. How
ever, as I am deprived of the pleasure of seeing you, I shall sin
cerely wish and pray, that your satisfaction and pleasure on this
Journey may fully equal the Honour of being a Member of so
august a Body. Which is in Effect wishing that you may conduct
Matters in a way the most Honorable to yourselves, and advan-
1 Printed in Life and Works of John Adams, ix. 338.
2 Where the General Court had assembled, June 7.
3 The first Continental Congress.
1774] Warren* Adams Letters 27
tageous to the publick. Great are our Expectations, and great will
be the Expectations in Europe; and therefore great and difficult is
the Task assigned you. With these Sentiments my Friendship to
you had no Interest in your Appointment further than to promote
your Honour. My Friendship to my Country engaged me to it,
and when I knew it was at the Expence of your Ease, and so well
satisfied am I with the Major Part of our Committee,1 and such
Expectations have I from the Zeal and firmness of the other Colo
nies in this measure, that I have not given myself the Trouble to
think much about the measures they will take. I presume the
greater part of you will be Masters, learned in politicks and the
true Interest of your Country, not Scholars yet to learn them.
Prophets replete with the true Spirit of Prophecy, and Statesmen
both wise and upright. From you therefore we shall look for
streams that shall gladden all the Cities and Towns in North
America, and confound the Barbarous Politicks of Britain. With
these Sentiments of your Body, it certainly would be presumtion
in me, to advise to measures, or conduct. However to a Friend 1
will venture to say, I apprehend much greater danger from the
Timidity and narrow Plans of some of your Body, than I do from
the Spirit and enlarged views of the rest of you. My Opinion is,
that the Confidence of the People in the Congress is such that they
will support whatever Plan you adopt, however spirited, and be in
danger of resting satisfied with the Terms you may be contented
with, however inadequate to their rights and Interests. And be
sides Administration be from the first more encouraged to go on
with their System than provoked by the last. That we have noth
ing to expect from their Justice, but every thing to hope from their
fears, is a maxim as true, and perhaps as wise as any of Solomon!
Therefore if I was enquired of, what I thought should be done with
the Claim of Exemption from Parliamentary Legislation, as well as
Taxation, and some other Grand Questions that have been agitated
here, I should answer that it was proper, practicable, expedient,
wise, just, good, and necessary, that they should be held up in
i The Delegation to the Congress from Massachusetts consisted of Thomas Gushing,
Samuel Adams, John Adams and Robert Treat Paine. Bowdoin was named, but declined
to serve. The credentials speak of them as "a committee."
28 W^arren- Adams Letters [1774
their full extent in the Congress at Philadelphia, and that means
should be devised to support them.
To determine on an annual Congress I think very important,
both for the purpose of depressing the Scheems of our Enemies and
raising the Spirits and promoting the Interest of our Friends.1 A
Rotation I am very fond of in most Cases, but in this at present
should be for confining it only to a new election annually. A
scarcity of men fit to govern such mighty Interests clashing in the
present Contests, is a sufficient Objection to a further Limitation,
and that reason will likewise prevail to alter your determination
not to engage in politicks on any other System.. The want of Grat
itude in Mankind, their little Attention to their true Interest, and
the consequent Fate of many of their friends, are really disagree
able reflections. But if Brutus and Cassius, Hampden, Sydney,
Harrington, etc. had lived in inglorious Ease, they might have died
in a few months after, in languishing and painful Sickness, without
Fame, without the Applause of the vertuous of all ages. I have
strong faith that the now rough and perilous paths of politicks
will soon be smoothed, and that our sons may walk in them without
danger, especially if we submit the Instruction of them to our two
Friends 2 you mention, who will certainly form them to Vertue, and
establish that Integrity that will secure them at least good Con
sciences. The Cause of Liberty, Truth and Vertue, must be sup
ported, and in the present degenerate Situation of Mankind, that
must be done by the few, even under the mortifying Circumstances
of seeing the many who reap the Benefit attentive to private mat
ters, and enriching themselves and families, even at the Expence
of their Friends. And I presume you will never fail to be among the
few, at a time when your Character, Circumstances, and Educa
tion, etc conspire to call you out. . . .
[Mrs. Warren adds:]
Though Mr. Adams has condescended to ask my sentiments in
conjunction with those of a person qualified (by his integrity and
attachment to the interest of his Country) to advise if it were
1 "I am for making it annual, and for sending an entire new set every year, that all the
principal geniuses may go to the university in rotation, that we may have politicians in
plenty." John Adams to Warren, June 25, 1774.
2 Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Warren.
1774] H^arren- Adams Letters 29
needful at this important Crisis, I shall not be so presumtuous as
to offer anything but my fervent Wishes that the Enemies of
America may hereafter forever tremble at the Wisdom, the firm
ness, the prudence and the justice of the Delegates, departed from
our Cities, as much as ever the Phocians or any other petty State
did at the power of the Amphytiones. . . .
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BRAINTREE, July 17, 1774
DEAR SIR, — Among many other agreeable Things which oc-
curr'd to me on my Return from my eastern Circuit, I found your
Letter of the fourteenth Instant. Your sentiments always inspire
and animate me; but never more upon any Occasion, than on this.
I believe with you that the Confidence of the People in the Con
gress, is so great, that they will Support its Decisions, as far as pos
sible. And indeed, It may well be expected, that many Men of
Sound Judgment, will be of that Assembly. But, what avails,
Prudence, Wisdom, Policy, Fortitude, Integrity, without Power,
without Legions ? When Demosthenes, (God forgive the Vanity of
recollecting his Example) went Ambassador from Athens to the
other States of Greece, to excite a Confederacy against Phillip,
he did not go to propose a Non-Importation or Non-Consumption
Agreement ! ! !
You "presume the greater Part of the Number will be Masters
in Politicks" "Prophets replete with the true Spirit of Prophecy."
I hope it will be so. But I must say I am not one of those Masters.
I must be a scholar. I feel my own insufficiency for this important
Business. I confess myself ignorant of the Characters which com
pose the Court of Great Britain as well as of the People who com
pose the Nation; at least I have not that minute and accurate
knowledge of either which an American Senator ought to have of
both. I have not that Knowledge of the Commerce of the several
Colonies, nor even of my own Province which may be necessary.
In short, as comprehensive Knowledge of Arts and Sciences,
especially of Law and History, of Geography, Commerce, War and
of Life, is necessary for an American Statesman at this Time as
30 W'arren- Adams Letters [1774
was ever necessary for a British or a Roman Senator, or a British
or Roman General.
Our New England Educations are quite unequal to the Produc
tion of such great Characters.
There is one Point in which most Men seem to be agreed viz —
that it is in our Power so to distress the Commercial and Manu
facturing Interests in G. Britain, as to make them rise up and be
come importunate Petitioners for us, to the King, Parliament and
Ministry. But others deny this. Some of the higher Tories say
that all we can do of this Kind will be despised — ridiculed — and
that they can live longer without us than We can without them.
That the distresses We can occasion would be of but a few Indi
viduals, and the Clamours or Miseries of these will be disregarded
as Trifling Considerations in Comparison of the Loss of the Obedi
ence of the Colonies, etc., etc., etc.
That nothing Short of such Distresses as should produce Con
vulsions would effect any Thing at all.
However I have no Faith in these Doctrines. The National
Debts and Taxes are so excessive, that it seems to me impossible,
the People should bear the Loss of so great a Part of their Trade.
But what do you think of a non-Exportation to Great Britain?
Is it expedient to advise to a general Non-Exportation? Will not
Such a Measure hurt ourselves? What will be the Consequence?
Must not Fish, Rice, Wheat, Tobacco, etc. etc. etc. perish on our
Hands, or must not Thousands of Families perish who once lived
by raising and producing those Commodities in America?
Your Maxim, that We have nothing to expect from their Jus
tice But everything to hope from their fears I have ever thought is
just as "any of Solomon"; But I confess I have grown more
Scrupulous of late than ever — more disposed to discuss, examine
and minutely weigh every political Position, than usual. I have
employed the best Force of my Understanding, in considering this
Apophthegm; and the Result is that We have indeed nothing to
expect from their Justice. The Ministry, the beggarly prostituted
Voters, high and low, have no principles of public Virtue on which
we can depend, and they are interested to plunder us. But I am not
so clear that we have everything to hope from their Fears. They are
1774] JVarren- Adams Letters 31
a gallant brave high Spirited People Still; and if any Means can be
found to make the Chastisement of the Colonies popular, a Min
ister, who means nothing by serving in a public Station but to
make a Fortune in Wealth and Titles, may push a Measure to
dreadful Extremities. Yours
JOHN ADAMS
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BRAINTREE, July 25, 1774
DR SIR, — There never was I believe, a greater Contrast, than
I perceive, between the Noise and Hurry of Queen Street, and the
Serene Retreat, which I enjoy here. No Clients disturb me, no
Politicians interrupt me, no Tories vex me, no Tyrants govern me,
I had almost said No Devils tempt or torment me.
The chaste Pleasures of Agriculture engage me as much [as]
Cards, or Assemblies ever did a fair Lady. You can Sympathize
with me, in all this. You live in a Land of Rain this Year, as well
as I, and it is our infinite Consolation to us both, to see the Wisdom
and Benevolence of Heaven, counteracting the Folly, the Malice
and Madness of our Tyrants.
It would do your Heart good to see me, mowing, raking, carting
and frolicking with my Workmen, as unconcernd as if No Port
Bill or regulating Bill or Murder Bill, had ever existed.
I catch myself however, now and then, among the Hay Cocks
bestowing most hearty Execrations, on a few Villains who have
dignified themselves by Superlative Mischief to their native
Country the British Empire and the World.
The Demise of the French Crown,1 is a great Event in the Polit
ical System of Europe, and of Consequence, must be a mighty
Link in the Chain of Causes in American Politicks. I am not
enough acquainted with the State of the French, Spanish and Ger
man Courts to predict with any Confidence, what Revolutions will
Succeed the death of Lewis I5th. But if two young Fellows at the
Head of the German Empire, and the French Monarchy, both warm
and active dont make Mischief in Europe it will be a Wonder.
I Louis XV died of smallpox, May 10, 1774.
32 barren- Adams Letters [1774
I remember when I was young and sometimes amused myself
with Poetry and Criticism I used to see it frequently prescribed as
a Rule to consider how Homer or Virgill or Horace or Ovid would
have imagined or expressed a Thing. But I believe it required al
most as much Genius and Skill to Say how they would imagine or
express a Thing, as they had themselves. I can't help, applying this
Rule sometimes to Politicks, and enquiring what Plans would be
adopted at the Congress, if a Sully, a Cecil, a Pitt or a Ximenes,
a Demosthenes or a Cicero were there — or all of them together.
I am at no Loss, at all, to guess, [torn] pretend to Skill and Capacity
like [torn] G — d knoweth — I dont compa [torn] an atom to the
Globe. But is it easy to believe they would propose Non Importa
tion? Non Exportation? Non Consumption? If I mistake not,
Somewhat a little more Sublime and Mettlesome, would come
from Such Kind of Spirits. However Patience, Prudence, Resigna
tion [torn] Candour and all that, must [torn] [American Plans.
We must fast a[nd pray, learn to] bear and forbear. We must
[have that charity which] suffereth long and is kind, which be[areth
all things and] hopeth all things.1 ...
HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN
CAMBRIDGE, Sept. 27, 1774
MY DEAR FRIEND, -
The frequent Manuvers of an arbitrary G[enera]l with his dis
ciplined Troops which spread alarms thro the Country and Occa
sion great Commotion among a poor, oppressd, devoted, tho I
hope determined People, often fill a Female heart with Tears.
The preparations on Boston neck, the Assembled multitude lately
at Cambridge 2 with many other Circumstances give me a painful
1 These sentences have been filled in from i Corinthians xin, 4-7.
2 Rowe, Diary, 285, notes on September 7, "The General has Doubled the Guards at
the Neck and I believe designs to Fortify it"; on September 10, "The 59th Regiment came
from Salem and encamped on the West Side of Boston Neck." On Sunday, the I4th, some
officers of the navy spiked the guns of the North Battery. The assemblage at Waltham,
Watertown and Cambridge was caused by the conduct of General Brattle, who made a
"flimsy Recantation" and the people dispersed on the following day. This and the insults
to Hallowell, a commissioner of customs, led Gage to reinforce the troops on the Neck.
1774] Warren-Adams Letters 33
Idea of the Horrors of Civil War, and with you I cant help antici
pating the distresses Consequent thereon; but that Centre of all
Consolation to which you point me — That grand Superintend-
ant of the Universe is the only firm Foundation for us to Build
our hopes upon, our Cause is righteous. Let us Posses our Souls
in Patience.
By Capt. Scot who has Lately arrivd we are told by the repre
sentations of Mr. H[utchinso]n the people of England are made
to believe we are perfectly acquiescent under the new model of
Government and other Cruel Acts. How can this Insulted People
any longer forbear bursting forth with rage and desperation! Must
not that heart be truly Infernal that Could Meditate such Acts of
barbarity and even persuade people to believe they are Acts of
Mercy and goodness ! after this what is not the heart of Man Capa
ble of? The Merchants of London are pouring in Loads of English
goods. If the united Virtue of American Delegates is not exerted
for our help, we are we must be ruind. The dissolution of all Gov
ernment gives a dreadful Prospect, the fortifying Boston Neck,
the huge Canon now mounted there, the busy preparations, the
agility of the Troops, give an Horrid prospect of an intended
Battle. Kind Heaven avert the Storm! I hope Coll. Warren in
tends to meet the General Assembly. I hear the Constitutional
Council Intend to Resume their Seats. . . .
I have Lately receivd great pleasure from an ingenious Satire
on that Female Foible Love of dress in the Royal American Maga
zine.1 I have heard the Author guessd to be Miss Mercy Scollay,
and the Gentleman who requested it Dr. Warren. I am not enough
acquainted with that Lady's Poetic Talents to judge whether they
are equal to that elegant production. Mr. Winthrop joyns in the
Sincerest regards to Coll. Warren and you. I subscribe your
Affectionate
HANNAH WINTHROP
I Printed in the June number, p. 233.
34 H^arren- Adams Letters [1774
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. 1 ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, December 19, 1774
DEAR SIR, — It always give me pleasure to hear of the Existence
and Health of my Friend and his Family, and more especially to
have it from his own hand.
The partiality discovered in yours of the I3th Instant is a strong
Evidence of Friendship. I am sorry it should give you any Uneasi
ness, if the Elections you refer to are not just such as you and I
should approve. I am inclined to think they would not have been
mended in the way you now think of. The drudgery of Applica
tion with some little Experience may qualifie a man to make a
tolerable, or at least not a disagreeable figure in any small Circle,
but nothing can supply the want of those Abilities, and that per-
ticular Genius that alone must support his Character in the other
Station, and perhaps be necessary to preserve even his Memory
from Contempt if not Infamy. I have therefore no uneasiness my
self, but what arises from pride, which in an Officer may assume
the Title of military Honour, and may reduce me to the Dilemma
of either forfeiting my Character by not doing my duty, or lessen
ing it by doing it under certain Circumstances. I am pleased to
find your Town makes such a Figure in the military way. The
Spirit is catching, and spreads into every Corner, and bids fair to
cherish the seeds, and support the Stock of a rising Empire.
The last Vessel from England arrived here last Fryday, left
Bristol 8th. November. I am told the Master says, that near two-
thirds of the Members chosen are new ones,2 that the general Ex
pectation was that the American Grievances would be redressed.
He dined in Company with Mr. Burke two or three days before
he came away, who was in high Expectation of a Committee from
your Congress, which was looked for every day, and that Doctor
Franklin had postponed his Voyage to America on the same Ac
count. However they may be disappointed in this, I presume be
fore now they have seen your demands. Extending so far beyond
the repeal of the Acts of the last Session, that it will be hard work
1 At Braintree.
2 See "The General Election of 1774" in Trevelyan, The American Revolution, Pt. i. 210.
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 35
to Cure the wounds, without leaving a Splinter behind, and I
hope if there be one left, it will rankle till extracted. Will the Con
tinent be satisfied short of their demands? I hope not, but some
times hope with fear and trembling.
1 have been extreamly engaged since my return, as a Citizen and
Soldier. Civil and military matters engage my whole Attention,
and engross all my Time. To execute the Resolves of the Congress,
to settle my military matters, and prevent the feuds and dissen-
tions that generally arise from the Folly of some, and the Ambition
of others, is my whole Business, and has superceded the delightful
Study of Agriculture, and scarce left a Trace in my mind of Tull's
fine Phylosophical System of Vegetation. If those matters con
tinue, I may as well beat my plow shares into Swords, and pruning
Hooks into Spears.
I am sorry to find you half resolved not to attend our Anniver
sary. Your Company would give me the greatest pleasure, and
add much to the festivity of the day. . . .
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, January 15, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I admire the Votes and Resolves of the Mary
land Convention.1 They breath a Spirit of Liberty and Union
which does Honour to them, and indeed the whole Continent. I am
greatly puzzled to determine what Consequences the united force
of all these things will produce in Britain. They must be infatu
ated to a degree I can hardly conceive of, if these things make no
Impression, and yet in general I think, or rather fear, they will
not. I am upon the whole much of the Opinion of your friend
Chase,2 that we have but little room to hope for a favourable Event,
and that now is the Time, the exact Crisis, to determine the point,
and the sooner the better, before the Tories here can compleat
their efforts to disunite and embarrass. They are more assidu
ous than Satan was with our first Parents, and equal him in deceit,
and Falsehood, and with many find Success. No Stone is left un-
1 See Adams to Warren, January 3, 1775, in Life and Works of John Adams, ix. 352.
2 Samuel Chase (1741-1811).
36 IVarren-Adams Letters [1775
turned to effect their purposes. By that means we are continually
perplexed, which added to the Contemplation (from one time to
another) of a War at last, is (as you say) a state as bad as can be.
The time for the setting of our Congress draws nigh. I am im
patient to hear that you are a member, and shall be unhappy if
you are not. What reason can be given that the question for as
suming and exercising Government has not been stated and agi
tated in the publick Papers. Has any particular policy prevented?
It seems to me it would have had good effects on the other Colo
nies. They may hardly believe it so necessary as we know it to be,
while so little is said about it.
The Tories it is observed hold up their heads lately whether from
Encouragement taken from the late publications, or a Spirit of
delusion diffused among them by the infernal Junto at Boston, I
know not.
Inclosed are for your Amusement two acts of a dramatic per
formance. Composed at my particular desire they go to you as
they came out of the hand of the Copier, without pointing or
marking. If you think it worth while to make any other use of
them, than a reading, you will prepare them in that way, and give
-, them such other Corrections and Amendments as your good Judg
ment shall suggest. . . .l
JAS. WARREN
Is it consistent with prudence that we should hold our Sessions
at Cambridge? I am not more subject to fear than others; but if
we mean to do anything important, I think it is too near the whole
strength of our Enemies. If not, I shall repent leaving my own
fire side at this severe Season. I shall be glad to hear from you be
fore you leave Home.
MERCY WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
PLIMOUTH, January 30, 1775
SIR, — The very polite introduction to yours of Jan. 3d. I con
sider not only as a Compliment far beyond any merit 1 can presume
to claim, but as resulting in some Measure from that partial Byas
I The Group, a Fare f. These two acts were printed in the Boston Gazette, January 23, 1775.
Warren-Adams Letters 37
which ever leads us to view through the most favourable Medium
whatever regards those we consider in the Light of Friendship.
But when assured that I think myself both honoured and
obliged whenever Mr. Adams takes up the Pen to favour me with
a Line, I hope he will again attempt to grasp it hard enough to
gratify me further in the same way. More especially as I am about
to submit a casuistical query to his Decision, in whose judgment
I place great Confidence, both from the Ability and Rectitude of
Mind which guide its Determinations.
Personal Reflections and sarcastic Reproaches have generally
been decryed by the wise and the worthy, both in their Conversa
tion and Writings. And though a Man may be greatly criminal in
his Conduct towards the Society in which he lives. How far, sir, do
you think it justifiable for any individual to hold him up the Ob
ject of public Derision.
And is it consistent with the Benevolent System of Christianity
to vilify the Delinquent, when we only wish to ward of the fatal
Consequences of his Crimes.
But though from the particular Circumstances of our unhappy
time, a little personal Acrimony might be justifiable in your Sex,
must not the female Character suffer. (And will she not be sus
pected as deficient in the most amiable part thereof, that Candour
and Charity which ensures her both Affection and Esteem,) if she
indulges her pen to paint in the darkest shades, even those whose
Vice and Venality have rendered contemptible.
Your undisguised Sentiments on these points will greatly oblige
a person who is sometimes doubtful whether the solicitations of a
beloved Friend may not lead her to indulge a satirical propensity
that ought to be reined in with the utmost Care and Attention.
But such are the multiplied injuries the Community receives,
from a set of unfeeling, unprincipled Hirelings; such the Discord
sown by their wicked Machinations, and such the Animosity of
parties, that may we not all with some Reason apply to ourselves,
what a noble Author has put into the Mouth of the celebrated
Pope when meeting the admired Boileau in the Elysian Shades,
that neither of them could boast that either their Censure or their
praise was always free from partiallity; and that their pens were
38 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
often drawn against those with whom it was more shameful to
contend, than honourable to vanquish.
I know not what may be your opinion of a late Composition,
but as it was so readily ushered into Light, and by a Gentleman of
your Discernment offered to the publick Eye, you cannot won
der if I presume you thought it might in some small degree be
beneficial to society. If so the Author must be highly gratified,
and will be even better pleased with picking some useful Flower
from the Foot of Parnassus, than if she were able to ascend the
utmost Heights, and gather the Laurel or the garland from its sum
mit, when the glowing Beauties have no tendency either to cor
rect the Manners of others, or to improve the Virtue of her own
Heart. Your Criticism, or Countenance, your Approbation or
censure, may in some particulars serve to regulate my future Con
duct.
In your last to Mr. Warren you seem to be quite weary of a
state of suspence. It is painful, it is vexatious. How many years
have the hopes of the contending parties been alternately rising
or sinking with the Weight of a Feather, and yet little prospect of a
period to their Employment.
How much longer, sir, do you think the political scale can hang
in Equilibrium. Will not Justice and Freedom soon preponder
ate till the partizans of Corruption and Venality, even backed
with the Weight of ministerial power, shall be made to kick the
Beam.
You will not think it strange that the timidity and tenderness
of a Woman should lead her to be anxious for the Consequences of
every important step, and very solicitous for the termination of
those Disputes which interrupt almost every social Enjoyment
and threaten to spread Ruin and Desolation over the fairest pos
sessions.
But if you, sir, will candidly excuse this interruption, I will no
longer call off your Attention from more momentous affairs. Yet
let me add my fervent Wishes that you and the other Gentlemen
of the ensuing Congress may be endowed with Wisdom and Res
olution equal to the Difficulties of the Day, and if you attempt
to repair the shattered Constitution, or to erect a new one, may it
Warren- Adams Letters 39
be constructed with such symmetry of Features, such Vigour of
Nerves, and such strength of sinew, that it may never be in the
power of Ambition or Tyranny to shake the durable Fabrick.
In the mean time I hope all necessary Attention will be payed
to the personal safety of the worthy Guardians of our Freedom and
Happiness. Which leads my trembling Heart to wish my Friends
were at a further Remove than Cambridge, from the Headquarters
of vindictive Enemies. 1 am, sir, with great Esteem your real
Friend and humble Servant
M. WARREN
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. n, 1775
DR SIR, — Mr. Archibald Buchannan and Mr. Walter Tolley,
both of Maryland and hearty Friends of America, introduced to
me by my Friend, Mr. Chase, are bound to the Camp and Mr.
Chase requested a Letter from me.
Chase is a Man of common Sense.
I reed your Packett. I am obliged to you for opening the Letter
from our Friend Mr. Adams, and if you had opened all the others,
you should have been equally welcome, Altho I would not give a
similar Permission to more than two or three other Persons in the
World. I have no Correspondences for private Amusement, or Per
sonal Interest, and therefore most Letters to me might be seen by
any public Man of public Virtue, good Understanding and Com
mon Decency without Danger, Inconvenience, or offence. But as
so many Persons who have not all those Qualities become in the
Course of Things public Persons, We cannot be too cautious, I
find, what We write, whom we write to, and how it is conveyed.
I have seen the Copy of a Letter. Let the Writer's Passions
fume away unnoticed. Peepers often Spy disagreeable Objects.
Let them pay for their Peeping. I have Reason to complain of
Negligence in one Gentn and, I fear, of Unkindness in another
upon this Occasion, but I will not complain.
They shall take all Advantages against me that they can get.
They cannot hurt me nor you. The only Advantage they have got
40 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
upon this Occasion is to torment themselves, and gratify others.
The Gentn promised me to deliver those Letters into the Hand of
Mr. S. A. but he did not.
I have only this Moment to write. Yours, sincerely.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. l ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, February 20, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I need not tell you that I was greatly disap
pointed and chagrined at not seeing you at Cambridge a member
of our Congress.2 If it was the Choice of your Town, I know not
how they can excuse, or even extenuate the fault. Surely a small
Degree of Patriotism would have dictated a very different Conduct.
My disappointment was increased by not having the pleasure of
seeing you on my way there, or return here. As matters are, 1 am to
content myself for the present with my share in those valuable
publications I have the pleasure of reading every week in the
Papers,3 and no small pleasure it is to me to consider my particular
Friend advancing (passibus aequis) his Country's Interest and his
own honour, by exposing to publick view (with a nervous Elo
quence) the Arts and Wickedness of our Enemies, and asserting by
derisive Arguments the rights of his Country. May the Applauses
of the present and the Blessings of future Generations (a much
better reward to a Virtuous mind than pensions and Salaries),
1 At Braintree.
2 Convened February I. Colonel Joseph Palmer represented Braintree. Adams had
been a member of the Provincial Congress of October, 1774. "As to my being of the Con
gress, I think our town did right in not choosing me, as they left out [Ebenezer] Thayer, and
as Mr. Palmer is as good a hand as they can employ, and having been for some time in the
center of all their business in the County, Town and Province, is the best man they have.
Indeed, I was not at the Meeting, and never had been at any Meeting in this Town, for
eight years. To say the Truth, I was much averse to being chosen and shall continue so; for
I am determined, if things are settled, to avoid public Life. I have neither Fortune, Leisure,
Health nor Genius for it, being a man of desperate Fortune, and a Bankrupt in Business.
I cannot help putting my Hand to the Pump, now the Ship is in a Storm, and the Hold full
of Water; but as soon as she gets into a Calm and a Place of Safety, I must leave her. At
such a Time as this, there are many dangerous things to be done, which nobody else will do,
and therefore I cannot help attempting them; but in peaceful Times, there are always
hands enough." John Adams to James Warren, March 15, 1775. Works of John Adams, ix.
354-
3 His replies to "Massachusettensis." They are included in Works of John Adams, in. 8.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 41
united with the Goodness of his own heart, still animate into
Exertion those great Abilities which God in his Mercy has bestowed
for the Advantage of this Country.
I supposed our Congress would have adjourned the day I left
them, but it seems they found means to prolong the Sessions a few
days without having in view any apparent Advantage that I could
conceive of. However I hope some good will come of it. I was con
cerned before I came away that we had then spent ten days about
what might have been effected in four, and perhaps as well. They
appeared to me to be dwindling into a School for debate and Crit
icism rather than to appear as a great Assembly to resolve and
act. A certain Lady of your Acquaintance is much concerned at
hearing it is reported that she wrote the Group. Parson Howe 1
told a large Company at Table that she was the Author of it. If
this was true how came he by his Information. Would a certain
friend of ours have so little discretion as to communicate such a
matter to his Parson, if he knew, and much less if he only con
jectured it. Do speak to him about it. If he has set his parson a
prating, he ought to stop him. We have no arrivals, no news. Our
military Gentry remain in statu quo, at the Councillors Mansion
House at Marshfield. No body but the Tories there and here take
any notice of them. . . .
JAS. WARREN
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, March 15, 1775
DEAR SIR, — With some difficulty I have obtained the inclosed.2
Some scruples which you have not resolved, and some fears and
apprehensions from Rumors abroad have occasioned the delay and
reluctance. The Copy I got last night. Have had no time to read
it over. You will please to examine and correct, etc, and do with it
as you think proper, having as I dare say you will a proper regard
to prudence under present Circumstances. It is a long while since
1 Rev. Joseph Howe (1747-1775), pastor of the New South Church. See Dexter, Yale
Biographies, in. 127.
2 Probably the manuscript of The Group, the publication of which was announced in the
Boston Gazette, April 3, 1775.
42 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
I had a line from you. Perhaps some may have miscarried. The
bearer waits and I can only add my regards to Mrs. Adams, and
that I am your Friend etc.
J. WARREN
JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, March 15, 1775
MADAM, — I thought myself greatly honoured by your most
polite and agreable Letter of January the thirtieth; and I ought to
have answered it, immediately: but a Variety of Cares and Avoca
tions, at this troublesome Time, which I confess are not a Justifi
cation of my Negligence, as they were the real Cause of it, will
with your goodness of Disposition be allowed as an Excuse.
In requesting my opinion, Madam, concerning a Point of
Casuistry, you have done me great Honour, and I should think
myself very happy if I could remove a Scruple from a Mind, which
is so amiable that it ought not to have one upon it. Personal
Reflections, when they are artfully resorted to, in order to divert
the Attention from Truth, or from Arguments, which cannot be
answered, are mean and unjustifiable: but We must give up the
Distinction between Virtue and Vice, before we can pronounce
personal Reflections, always unlawfull. Will it be said that We
must not pronounce Cataline a Conspirator, and Borgia a Rascall,
least we should be guilty of casting personal Reflections? The
faithfull Historian delineates Characters truly, let the Censure fall
where it will. The public is so interested in public Characters, that
they have a Right to know them, and it becomes the Duty of every
good Citizen who happens to be acquainted with them to com
municate his Knowledge. There is no other way of preventing
the Mischief which may be done by ill Men; no other Method of
administering the Antidote to the Poison.
Christianity Madam, is so far, from discountenancing the sever
est Discrimination, between the good and the bad, that it assures
us of the most public and solemn one conceivable, before Angells
and Men; and the Practice and Example of Prophetts, and Apos
tles, is sufficient to sanctify Satyr of the sharpest Kind.
Warren- Adams Letters 43
The Truth is, Madam, that the best Gifts are liable to the
worst uses and abuses, a Talent at Satyr, is commonly mixed with
the choicest Powers of Genius and it has such irresistable Charms,
in the Eyes of the World, that the extravagant Praise, it never
fails to extort, is apt to produce extravagant Vanity in the Satir
ist, and an exuberant Fondness for more Praise, until he looses
that cool Judgment, which alone can justify him.
But the lawfulness of the Exercise of this brilliant Talent, may
be argued from its being a natural one. Nature, which does nothing
in vain, bestows no mental Faculties which are not designed to be
cultivated and improved. It may also be inferred from its admira
ble Utility and Effects. If we look into human Nature, and run
through the various Classes of Life, We shall find it is really a dread
of Satyr that restrains our Species from Exorbitances, more than
Laws, human, moral or divine, indeed the Efficacy of civil Punish
ments is derived chiefly from the Same Source. Ltjj^not the Pain,
the Fire etc, that is dreaded so much as the Infamy and disgrace.
So that really~EKe civil Magistrate may be~said in a""goocTSense~to
keep the World in order, by Means of Satyr, for Gaols, Stocks,
Whipping Posts and Gallows's are but different Kinds of it. But
classical Satyr, such as flows so naturally and easily from the Pen
of my excellent Friend has all the Efficacy, and more, in Support
of Virtue and in Discountenancing of Vice, without any of the
Coarseness and Indelicacy of those other Species of Satyr, the
civil and political ones.
If you examine the Life and Actions of your poorest, lowest and
most despised Neighbour, the meanest Servant you know, you will
find, that there is some one or more Persons, of whose Esteem and
good opinion he is ambitious, and whose Scorn and Derision he
dreads perhaps more than any other Evil. ^nd_this_Desire of
Esteem and dread of Scorn is the prindj3le_that goyernsLJiis- Life
and Actions. Now the Business of Satyr is to expose Vice and
vicious Men as such to this Scorn and to enrobe^Ziitue in all the
Charms which fancy can paint, and by this Means to procure her
Lovers and Admirers. -^
Of all the Genius's which have yet arisen in America, there has\ \
been none, Superiour, to one, which now shines, in this happy,
44 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
this exquisite Faculty. Indeed, altho there are many which have
received more industrious Cultivation I know of none, ancient or
modern, which has reached the tender the pathetic, the keen and
severe, and at the same time, the Soft, the Sweet, the amiable and
the pure in greater Perfection. I am, madam, with great Respect,
your Friend
JOHN ADAMS
JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN
CONCORD, April 6, 1775
MY DEAR MERCY, — Four days ago I had full Confidence that I
should have had the pleasure of being with you this day, we were
then near closeing the Session. Last Saturday we came near to
an Adjournment, were almost equally divided on that question,
the principle argument that seemd to preponderate, and turn in
favour of sitting into this week was the prospect of News and
News we have.1 Last week things wore rather a favourable aspect,
but alas how uncertain are our prospects. Sunday Evening brought
us accounts of a Vessel at Marblehead from Falmouth, and the
English Papers etc by her. I have no need to recite perticulars.
you will have the whole in the Papers, and wont wonder at my
forgoeing the pleasure of being with you. I dare say you would
not desire to see me till I could tell you that I had done all in
my power to secure and defend us and our Country. We are no
longer at a loss what is Intended us by our dear Mother. We
have Ask'd for Bread and she gives us a Stone, and a serpent for a
Fish. However my Spirits are by no means depressd, you well
know my Sentiments of the Force of both Countrys, you know
my opinion of the Justness of our Cause, you know my Confidence
in a Righteous Providence. I seem to want nothing to keep up
my Spirits and to Inspire me with a proper resolution to Act my
part well in this difficult time but seeing you in Spirits, and know
ing that they flow from the heart. How shall I support myself if
you suffer these Misfortunes to prey on your tender frame and
Add to my difficulties an affliction too great to bear of itself. The
1 The Congress adjourned April 15.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 45
Vertuous should be happy under all Circumstances. This state
of things will last but a little while. I believe we shall have many
chearful rides together yet. We proposed last week a short ad
journment and I had in a manner Engaged a Chamber here for my
Beloved and pleased myself with the health and pleasure the
Journey was to give her; but I believe it must be postponed till
some Event takes place and changes the face of things. All things
wear a warlike appearance here. This Town is full of Cannon,
ammunition, stores, etc., and the Army long for them and they
want nothing but strength to Induce an attempt on them. The
people are ready and determine to defend this Country Inch by
Inch. The Inhabitants of Boston begin to move. The Selectmen
and Committee of Correspondence are to be with us, I mean our
Committee, this day. The Snow Storm yesterday and Business
prevented them then. From this Conference some vigorous reso
lutions may grow. But to dismiss publick matters, let me ask
how you do and how do my little Boys, especially my little Henry,
who was Complaining. I long to see you. I long to sit with you
under our Vines etc and have none to make us afraid. Do you
know that I have not heard from you since I left you, and that is a
long while. It seems a month at least. I can't believe it less. I
intend to fly Home I mean as soon as Prudence Duty and Honour
will permitt. I am with regards to all Friends and the greatest
Expressions of Love and regard to you, your very affect. Husband,
JAS. WARREN
Love to my Boys. I feel disposed to add to this long letter but
neither time nor place will permit it. April yth. I am up this
morning to add. Mr. Lothrop is the bearer of this and can give
you an Acct. of us. The Inhabitants of Boston are on the move.
H[ancock] and A[dams] go no more into that Garrison, the
female Connections of the first come out early this morning and
measures are taken relative to those of the last. The moving of the
Inhabitants of Boston if effected will be one grand Move. I hope
one thing will follow another till America shall appear Grand to
all the world. I begin to think of the Trunks which may be ready
against I come home, we perhaps may be forced to move: if we
46 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
are let us strive to submit to the dispensations of Providence with
Christian resignation and phylosophick Dignity. God has given
you .great abilities; you have improved them in great Acquire
ments. You are possessd of eminent Virtues and distinguished
Piety. For all these I esteem I love you in a degree that I can't
express. They are all now to be called into action for the good of
Mankind, for the good of your friends, for the promotion of Virtue
and Patriotism. Don't let the fluttering of your Heart interrupt
your Health or disturb your repose. Believe me I am continually
Anxious about you. Ride when the weather is good and don't work
or read too much at other times. I must bid you adieu. God Al
mighty bless you. No letter yet. What can it mean? Is she not
well? She can't forget me or have any Objections to writing.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, May 7, 1775.
MY DEAR SIR, — After I had executed my Commission at Provi
dence, I returned home, set Mrs. Warren down in her own Habita
tion, made the best provision I could for the security of our Fam
ily, and some of our Effects, which we considered to be not very
safe at Plymouth, and immediately hastened to this place, to con
tribute my Mite to the publick Service in this Exigence of Affairs.
Here I have been near a week, every day resolving to write to you,
without beginning to execute such a resolution till now. And
indeed every thing seems to be in such Confusion, that I hardly
know where to begin, and perhaps shall be at as great a Loss to
know where to end. I find our own Body extreamly weakened by
the several detachments (to use the stile of the Times) made from
it. When I see the Seats of many of my Friends on whom I used
to place my principal dependance empty, and feel the want of
them as I do, at a Time when they are more wanted than ever,
I am almost discouraged. However as I was born to struggle with
difficulties, [I] shall endeavour to answer the End of my Creation
as well as I can. The Congress since I have been here has generally
been full, unanimous and spirited, ready and willing to do every
thing in their power, and frequently animated by the most agree-
1775] W^arren- Adams Letters 47
able News from the other Colonies. The principal Objects of our
Attention have been the regulation and officering of the Army, and
arming the men, and devising ways and means to support the
enormous Expence incurred under our present Situation; and
those I dare say you can easily conceive to be attended with many
difficulties, under the present Circumstances of our Government,
in which recommendations are to supply the place of Laws, and
destitute of coercive power, exposed to the Caprice of the Peo
ple, and depending entirely on their virtue for Success. We have
voted to issue Notes for ioo.ooo£ and to request your aid in giv
ing them a Currency.1 The Committee of Ways and Means to sit
again. We are embarrassed in officering our Army by the Estab
lishment of Minute Men.2 I wish it had never taken place, and the
necessity of having our Field Officers appointed is every day seen,
and indeed in my Opinion that should have been the first thing
done. As to the Army, it is in such a shifting, fluctuating state as
not to be capable of a perfect regulation. They are continually
going and coming. However, they seem to me to want a more
experienced direction. I could for myself wish to see your Friends
Washington and L[ee] 3 at the Head of it, and yet dare not propose
it, tho' I have it in Contemplation. I hope that matter will be
considered with more propriety in your Body than ours. If you
establish a Continental Army, of which this will be only a part,
you will place the direction as you please. It is difficult to say
what Numbers our Army consists of. If a return could be had one
day, it would by no means answer for the next. They have been
so reduced at some times that I have trembled at the Consequences
i Journals of the Provincial Congress (Mass.), 189.
^ The term is believed to be derived from a motion made by Col. William Henshaw in a
meeting of local Committees of Correspondence at Worcester, September 21, 1774, recom
mending that one-third of the men of the respective towns, between sixteen and sixty years
of age be inlisted, "to be ready to act at a minute's warning." I Proceedings, xv. 69. The
Provincial Congress on October 26, provided for such a force which should hold itself in
readiness to march "on the shortest notice" from the Committee of Safety. Journals, 33.
3 In the light of subsequent events it seems strange that so much credit was given to
Charles Lee at this time. He made himself active in the cause of the Colonies and his
Strictures on Dr. Myles Cooper's Friendly Address to all Reasonable Americans, first issued
at Philadelphia, in 1774, ran through six editions in a few months, two of the issues coming
from Boston printers. His connections were Southern, rather than New England, and the
first pressure for his appointment to high command in the army probably came from Vir
ginia and Maryland. At this time he was in Philadelphia, training raw troops and cultivat
ing influence in the Continental Congress, which convened May 10.
48 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
that might take place. Our new Levies are coming in, and by that
means I hope they will be in a more permanent state. I believe
there are about 6,000 in Camp at present. They are employed
at Cambridge, in heaving up Intrenchments, somewhere about
Phips Farm. I have not seen them. The extream want of the
Exercise of a fixt settled Government is sufficiently felt here at
this time, and has produced the Assignment of a Time to take that
matter under Consideration. Next Tuesday is the time.1 What
will be done I know not. I am inclined to think they will vote to
assume a Government. But who is to form this Constitution, who
is to rigg the ship, I can't tell. It appears to me a Business of such
a nature, so important, and in which an Error once committed,
will probably be as lasting as the Constitution itself, that I am
afraid to meddle. It is sufficient for such a genius as mine to know_
the places and use of the several ropes after the ship is rigg'd. -
However, we have a Chance. Success is the Criterion that gen
erally determines the Judgment. If we should either by accident
or by the force of our great Abilities build up a Grand Constitu
tion with the same ease we could a Bird Cage, we shall be equally
clever fellows. If I don't tire your patience now, you shall hear
more of this in my next.
The Infatuation of the Inhabitants of Boston has reduced us and
themselves to the precise state I have expected it would do. We
have been obliged for their sakes to pass some votes, that we did
not well relish. We have admitted the refugees to send out for their
Effects, tho' I don't expect any advantage from it.2 In short I
voted for it more to gratifie my friend Warren, than from any
other motive. There is no Guard against the General's Treachery.
He will find some pretences for the base Arts practiced to abuse
that People, and will finally keep a large number of them there.
When he lets them out at all it is very slowly. When the Tories
and Tory Effects are in, and his Reinforcement arrives, I presume
no more of them will come out. They are to be pitied, tho' this
1 The question was postponed to Friday, May 12. When it was agreed to make an
application to the Continental Congress, "for obtaining their recommendation for this
colony to take up and exercise civil government, as soon as may be." Journals of the Pro
vincial Congress (Mass.), 219.
2 Journals of the Provincial Congress (Mass.), 184, 195.
Warren- Adams Letters 49
is the Effect of their own folly. The misery they are already re
duced to in the Town is great, and may be seen described in the
Joy of the Countenances of those who get out. By the way I have
just heard that Edes 1 has stole out. I wish his partner was with
him. . . .
I think they go on charmingly and swimmingly at [New] York.
Inclosed are a Letter from Mrs. Adams, and an Extract of a
Letter from Hutchinson, found among a curious Collection of
Letters now in the hands of our Friends.2 I am well assured of the
Authenticity of it, and send this particular Extract more because
it seems to be especially calculated to be used where you are
than because it shews a greater degree of Wickedness than many
others.
JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN
WATER-TOWN, May 18, 1775
MY DEAR MERCY, — What a Letter every day! Was ever a
Woman doom'd to such drudgery before to be obliged to read half
a Sheet, and some times a whole one, full of Impertinence before
dinner, is enough at least to take away one's Appetite; but you see
I presume my wife will not complain or scold in this way, her Love
for reading, or affection for her Husband will secure a welcome to
his Scribbles. I had not your Letter when I wrote yesterday. You
must not look for me too soon. If I do not get home on Thursday,
hope I shall on Saturday or Sunday — depend on it as soon as I
can. In the mean Time you will digest a System of politics, for I
find you in that strain. But remember to revere our Congress, for
if we have lost many good Members we have many left; and, if we
1 Benjamin Edes (1732-1803), printer of the Boston Gazette. His partner was John Gill
( -1785). They had issued a paper on April 17, and their partnership was then dis
solved. Edes again started it at Watertown, June 5, returned to Boston in October, 1776,
and continued to print it until December, 1780. Matthews, in Collections of the Col. Soc.
of Mass., ix. 444.
2 " We hear that the Letters lately wrote by Governor Hutchinson are providentially in
the Hands of the People; and, when published, will astonish every one, who has not before
been thoroughly sensible of the evil Designs of that Man against the Liberties of this Coun
try." Essex Gazette, May 2, 1775. Letters of Hutchinson are in the New England Chroni
cle, June 8, 1775, and subsequent issues. See Familiar Letters of John Adams and his
Wife, 52.
50 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
have not all the Sense and property of the province among us, we
have as good a Share as commonly is in such an Assembly, it will
no longer therefore do to delay a question that should have been
determined 6 months ago. Nevertheless we have gone no further
than an application to the Grand Congress. There is a degree of
Timidity and slowness in our movements which my Soul abom
inates. As soon as South Carolina got the rumour of the action
here, and an uncertain one too, they took Immediate possession
of all the Arms and Stores belonging to the King there, drove the
Men on Board the Ships and sware they shall no more set foot on
shore there. At Hallifax they burnt all the Hay which Genl. Gage
depended on, and had sent Transports for, and made several At
tempts to Burn the Magazines and dock Yards. They are resolved
that no Tory shall come in and reside in that Province, poor Dogs,
where will they go and what will they do, there is no Country where
a Sentiment worthy of a Man is Entertained but detests them.
Turkey or Algiers may do, but their principles and Conduct are not
Calculated for any part of America. The first part of your Letter
shew you as cool as a Philosopher or a politician but the last as
Agitated as a Modern Soldier. Oh, the horrors of a reinforce
ment! Let me tell you a Story. Last Saturday1 our Troops at
Cambridge took into their heads to March to Charlestown. Ac
cordingly about 4000 marched down in very good order, with a
Genl.2 at their head. This movement produced a Terror in Boston
hardly to be described. You may have an Idea of it if I tell you
that the Genl. once gave orders to have the Guns at the Castle
spiked up, but on a little recollection and some remonstrances from
one of his Colonels recoverd himself and revoked his Orders. Let
your Colonel's remonstrances etc. have a Similar Effect. My cold is
almost well, be not Concerned for me, take care of yourself and I
hope we shall both do well. The Blessing of heaven rest on you is
the daily Prayer of your Affect Husband,
JAS. WARREN
I May 13. See Frothingham, Siege of Boston, 107. 2 Putnam.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 51
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, May 21, 1775
MY DEAR FRIEND, — I am vastly obliged to you for your Let
ter. It was like cold Water to a thirsty Soul. We suffer, greatly for
Want of News from you and Boston.
I am very unfortunate in my Eyes and my Health. I came from
Home Sick and have been so ever Since. My Eyes are so weak and
dim that I can neither read, write, or see without great Pain.
Our unwieldy Body moves very slow. We shall do something in
Time, but must have our own Way. We are all secret. But I can
guess that an army will be posted in New York, and another in
Massachusetts, at the Continental Expence.
Such a vast Multitude of Objects, civil, political, commercial
and military, press and crowd upon us so fast, that We know not
what to do first. The State of fifteen or sixteen Colonies, to be
considered, Time must be taken.
Pray write me by every opportunity and intreat all my Friends
to do the same — every Line from you, any of you does good.
One half the Group 1 is printed here, from a Copy printed in
Jamaica. Pray send me a printed Copy of the whole and it will be
greedily reprinted here. My friendship to the Author of it.
The Martial Spirit throughout this Province is astonishing, it
arose all of a Sudden, Since the News of the Battle of Lexington.
Quakers and all are carried away with it. Every day in the Week
Sundays not excepted they exercise, in great Numbers. The
Farmer 2 is a Coll. and Jo. Reed another. Their officers, are made
of the People of the first Fortune in the Place.
Uniforms and Regimentals are as thick as Bees. America will soon
be in a Condition to defend itself by Land against all Mankind.
[No signature.]
1 Printed by James Humphreys, Jr. An edition was printed in New York by John
Anderson, omitting the second and third scenes of Act II.
2 John Dickinson. Reed was lieutenant-colonel, and Mifflin, major.
52 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, May 26, 1775
DR. SIR, — The Bearers of this are two young Gentlemen from
Maryland, of one of the best and first Families in that Province,
one of them is a Lawyer, the other a Physician; both have inde
pendent Fortunes. Such is their Zeal in the Cause of America and
Such their fellow Feeling for the People of our Province, that they
are determined to Spend the Summer in our Camp in order to
gain Experience and perfect themselves in the Art military. They
are Soldiers already. Their Name is Hall.1 It will be of great Im
portance that these Gentn should be treated with the utmost
Delicacy and Politeness; their Letters to their Friends will have a
great Influence on the Southern Colonies.
I should take it as a favour if you would introduce these Gen
tlemen to all our best Friends and to the Knowledge of every
Thing that can Serve the Cause.
I can not inform you of any Thing passing here that is worth
knowing. I hope We shall give Satisfaction. But it must be a work
of Time. I am your Friend,
JOHN ADAMS
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, June 7, 1775
DEAR SIR, — We have been puzzled to discover what we ought
to do with the Canadians and Indians. Several Persons have been
before Congress who have lately been in the Province of Canada,
particularly Mr. Brown 2 and Mr. Price,3 who have informed us
1 Heitman gives Edward and Elihu Hall, of Maryland, as holding continental com
missions.
2 John Brown, who had brought intelligence of the capture of Ticonderoga. His testi
mony on the disposition of the Canadians is in the Pennsylvania Packet, May 22, 1775.
3 The Journals of the Continental Congress, n. 66, record May 27: "Information being
given that there is a gentleman in town who can give the Congress a full and just account
of the state of Affairs in Canada; Ordered, that he be introduced, and he was accordingly
introduced." A letter " To the oppressed Inhabitants of Canada" was prepared and sent to
Canada "by the gentleman just introduced." Ib., 67, 68. It was translated into French
and 1000 printed by Fleury Mesplet, at Philadelphia. The Congress printed it also in
English. On James Price see Codman, Arnold's Expedition to Quebec, 8.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 53
that the French are not unfriendly to us. And by all that we can
learn of the Indians they intend to be neutral.
But whether We should march into Canada with an Army Suf
ficient to break the Power of Governor Carlton, to overawe the
Indians, and to protect the French, has been a great Question.1
It seems to be the general Conclusion that it is best to go, if We
can be assured that the Canadians will be pleased with it and join.
The Nations of Indians inhabiting the Frontiers of the Colonies
are numerous and warlike. They seem disposed to Neutrality.
None have as yet taken up the Hatchet against us; and We have
not obtained any certain Evidence that either Carlton or Johnson
have directly attempted to persuade them to take up the Hatchet.
Some Suspicious Circumstances there are.
The Indians are known to conduct their Wars so entirely with
out Faith and Humanity, that it will bring eternal Infamy on the
Ministry throughout all Europe if they should excite these Savages
to War. The French disgraced themselves last War by employing
them. To let loose these blood Hounds to scalp Men and to butcher
Women and Children is horrid. Still it [is] Such kind of Humanity
and Policy as we have experienced from the Ministry.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, June 10, 1775
DR. SIR, — I have written a few lines to Dr. Warren to whom
I refer you.
It is of vast Importance that the officers of our Army should be
impressed with the absolute Necessity of Cleanliness, to preserve
the Health of their Men. Cleanness is one of the three Cardinal
Virtues of a Soldier, as Activity and Sobriety are the other two.
They should be encouraged to go into Water frequently, to keep
their Linen washed and their Beds clean, and should be continually
exercised in the manual and Maneuvres.
General Lee, has an Opinion of Burgoine, Clinton and How.
I On June I the Continental Congress resolved, "that no expedition or incursion ought
to be undertaken or made, by any colony, or body of colonists, against or into Canada."
Journals of the Continental Congress, n. 75.
54 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
Burgoine he says is very active and enterprizing, fond of Sur
prizes and Night Attacks and Alarms. He entreats me to inculcate
a most unremitted Vigilance, to guard against Surprizes, specially
in the Night.
We have a most miraculous Militia in this City, brought into
Existence out of Nothing since the Battle of Lexington. Measures
are taken here and at New York to procure Powder. But we must
be Sparing of that Article. The Supineness of the Colonies hitherto
concerning it, amazes me. Genl. Lee and Major Gates are very
fond of a Project of procuring Pikes and Pike men.1 I hope we
shall send you some Rifle Men; they shoot with great Exactness,
at amazing Distances.
They are casting Pateraras 2 and making Amuzettes 3 in this
City, and preparing for War, with an alacrity which does them
Honor.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, June 10, 1775
DEAR COLL. WARREN, — I have been impatiently waiting for
the Fulfillment of your Promise to write to me, but I can easily
excuse you knowing that your hands as well as mine must be full
at this important glorious Crisis. The Battle of Lexington will be
famed in the History of this Country. Four Accounts of it have
doubtless by this time reached England. Our insulting Enemies
there must be convinced that Americans are not such dastardly
Cowards as a Coll. Grant 4 and others have represented them to
be, and our Friends have received a sure pledge that we will not
desert them by deserting ourselves, and leave them to the Con
tempt of those most contemptible Wretches the King's Ministers.
Whether the People of England will hereby be brought to reflect
on their own Danger, or whether their pride will be touchd at this
1 March 20, 1776, Congress directed Colonel Magaw to have a pike or spear made,
and on the following day he submitted two samples. Journals of the Continental Congress,
iv. 218, 224.
2 A corrupt form of pedrero, a piece of ordnance originally for discharging stones.
3 A light field-cannon, invented by Marshal Saxe. 4 James Grant (1720-1806).
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 55
unexpected and signal Defeat of British Troops is to me uncer
tain. [If their Resentment should run high against us, our Friends
will have a political Game to play, to turn the whole Force of that
Resentment upon the Authors of these Disturbances, viz. Hutch-
inson and the Ministry. It is however the Duty of America to be
still upon its Guard, for there is no Dependence to be had on the
People of England, and I am convinced most abundantly that it is
the Determination of the K. and his Ministers to establish arbi
trary Government in the Colonies by Acts of Parliament and to
enforce those Acts by the Sword. Could the publick Sentiment be
otherwise it would be a Delusion leading directly to Destruction.
The Spirit of Patriotism prevails among the Members of this
Congress but from the Necessity of things Business must go on
slower than one could wish. It is difficult to possess upwards of
Sixty Gentlemen, at once with the same Feelings upon Questions
of Importance that are continually arising. All mean the Defence
and Support of American Liberty and Matters are finally well
decided; I have endeavored to Act with that kind of Prudence
which I dare say, when I shall explain my Conduct to you, you
will not condemn.
Mr. Fessenden 1 a Courier from your Congress arrived here
yesterday. I could not help flattering my Self that your pressing
Demand was political, but I was much pleasd to see every Gentle
man present anxiously sollicitious to relieve the Necessities of and
yield a full Supply to the "American Army before Boston." Our
worthy President has Communicated to yours a Resolution for
this purpose.2
Every Step is taking here for the procuring of Gunpowder from
abroad and setting up the Manufacture of it in America and I be
lieve they will be successfull.
Mr. Mifflin 3 assures me that large Quantities are expected in
a few Weeks in this place and 200 Barrels every hour.
If our Army behave with Spirit this Summer (as I am confident
they will) and their Efforts are succeeded, I trust in God, we shall
be superior to all future Difficulty. Be cautious of the enterprising
I Josiah Fessenden. ^ Journals of the Continental Congress, n. 83.
3 Thomas Mifflin (1744-1800).
56 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
Spirit of Burgoin and Howe. Dr. Church1 left us this Morning.
I disclosd to him as much as I could consistent with the Injunc
tions I am under. I refer you to him for particulars. Present my
affectionate Regards to all the Friends of Liberty, especially the
Circle of our Acquaintance. Pray write to me. Adieu my Friend.
S. ADAMS
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, June n, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Since my last I have waited with Impatience
to hear from you. I mean individually. The public Expectation to
hear from the Congress is great. They don't complain, but they
wonder that the Congress should sit a month without their receiv
ing something decisive with regard to us. I presume we shall have
it in due time; at least that nothing will be wanting in your power
to relieve the distresses of your Country. I intended to have de
voted some part of this Day to write to you, but have been di
verted by Calls that I could not dispence with. Since I knew of this
Opportunity I have not been able to get a minute till now when the
Express is just going off. You will collect from the publick Letter
by this Express our Sentiments with regard to the necessity of
assuming civil Government constantly increasing upon us; what
we apprehend to be the strength of our Enemies, and what have
been and still are the subjects of some of our Contemplations.
I have not time to add any thing more with regard to our proceed
ings or the state of the Army. I can only say we have difficulties
enough to struggle with. I hope we shall do well at last. It is said
General Howe gives out that he intends soon to have a frolic with
the Yankees. They are ready for him, and wish for nothing more.
Their Grenadiers and Light Infantry have been exempted from
duty for ten or twelve days. We were greatly elated this morn
ing with an Account that you had voted 70,000 men, and 3 ,000,000
sterling to be struck off in Bills for their support.2 Our Joy was
1 Benjamin Church, Jr. He was bearer of a letter from the Provincial Congress of
Massachusetts to the Continental Congress. Ib., 76.
2 One of the rumors of the day. It was not until June 22 that the Congress voted to
make its first issue of bills of credit — 2,000,000 dollars — resting on the credit of the
twelve confederated colonies. Journals of the Continental Congress, u. 103.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 57
damped at 10 o'clock by a Letter from your Brother Gushing. I
wish it had miscarried, that I might have enjoyed the pleasure a
little longer of contemplating the dignity of your Conduct, as well
as the rising Glory of America. His Letter was dated the 1st.
Instant; and if he had been in the Clouds for seven years past, I
think he would have had as just Ideas of our situation and neces
sities as he has expressed to his Friend Hawley.1 He thinks a very
inconsiderable reinforcement is to be expected, and when arrived,
that Gage will not have more than 5 or 6,000 men, and queries
whether we had not better discharge part of our Army, to prevent
involving ourselves in an immense Debt; a hint that we are to
expect no support from the Continent; but at the same time talks
of an Union and the Day is ours, as saith Dr. Franklin. . . .
JOHN HANCOCK TO JOSEPH WARREN 2
SUNDAY MORNG, 18 June, 1775. PHILADA.
MY DEAR SIR, — I intended writing you a long Letter, but am
prevented by my Attention to the orders of Congress in Dispatch
ing an Express and writing to Govr. Trumbull on matters of in
finite Importance. In short from my Scituation in Congress I
have great Duty to Do, but I will persevere even to the Destruc
tion of my Constitution. I am under a strict Injunction not to
Communicate the Doings of Congress, but two or three Circum
stances having Taken place in Congress which affected our Army,
indued me to ask Leave to mention them, which I obtain'd with
this positive Direction that at present they be not mentiond in
the Newspapers which you will please to observe.
The Congress have appointed George Washington, Esqr.,
General and Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. His
Commission is made out and I shall Sign it to morrow. He is a
Gentleman you will all like. I submit to you the propriety of
providing a suitable place for his Residence and the mode of his
Reception. Pray tell Genl. Ward of this with my Respects, and
that we all Expect to hear that the Military Movements of the
1 Joseph Hawley.
2 This letter was received by James Warren as the successor of Joseph Warren as pre
siding officer over the Provincial Congress.
58 Warren-Adams Letters [1775
Day of his Arrival will be such as to do him and the Commander
in Chief great honour.
General Ward is appointed Second in Command and am sure
you will Approve this. General Lee is Appointed third in Com
mand, but have not his Answer, As to the last Appointment.
I hope it will Turn out well. I say no more on that head. Genl.
Washington will set out in a few Days. Would it not be proper to
have a Troop at the Entrance of our Province to escort him down;
and then the Fort ready to Receive him. Pray do him every hon
our.1 By all means have his Commission read at the head of the
whole Forces. I can't write Genl. Ward; do mention to him my
hurry and lay your plans well.
The Congress have also order'd Ten Companies of Rifle Men
from this Province, Maryland and Virginia of 68 Men each prop
erly officerd, to proceed immediately to join the Army near Bos
ton. This is a good Step and will be an excellent additional
Strength to our Army. These are the finest Marksmen in the
world. They do Execution with their Rifle Guns at an Amazing
Distance. The Congress have also Determined upon 15,000 Men
as a Continental Army. The Committee of the whole Congress
have agreed to Report that Two Million of Dollars be emitted in
Bills for the Use of the Continent to pay Troops, etc. This is all
I am allowed to mention.
I have sent you the Orders for a Fast thro' the Continent which
please to make publick.2
The Inclos'd Letters please to Deliver. Remember me to Genl.
Ward, Heath, Dr. Cooper and all Frends, particularly to my good
Friend J. Pitts.3 I have supplied Fessenden with Twenty pounds
Lawf. Money wch I could ill spare, you will order it Returnd me
here, inclos'd is his Rect. Do Write me. We know nothing of our
Friends in Boston. How is Gill.
Adieu, I am in great haste, yours without Reserve.
JOHN HANCOCK
I send you a copy of a Letter from London — what Rascalls they
are there. We will do for them.
I Journals of the Provincial Congress (Mass.), 391, 398. 2 For July 20.
3 John Pitts (1737-1815). See Memorial . . . of James Pitts. 1882.
Warren- Adams Letters 59
JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN 1
WATERTOWN, June 18, 1775
MY DEAR MERCY, — The Extraordinary Nature of the Events
which have taken place in the last 48 Hours has Interrupted that
steady and only Intercourse which the situation of publick affairs
allows me. the Night before last our Troops possessd themselves
of a Hill in Charlestown and had time only to heave up an Imper
fect Breastwork. The regular Troops from the Batterys in Bos
ton and two Men of War in the Ferryway began early next Morn
ing a Heavy Fire on them which was Continued till about Noon,
when they Landed a large Number of Troops and after a Stout
resistance and great Loss on their side dispossessed our Men, who
with the Accumulated disadvantages of being Exposed to the fire
of their Cannon and the want of Ammunition and not being sup
ported by fresh Troops were obliged to abandon the Town and
retire to our Lines towards Cambridge, to which they made a very
handsome Addition last Night. With a Savage Barbarity never
practised among Civilized Nations, they fired and have Utterly
destroyed the Town of Charlestown. We have had this day at
Dinner another Alarm that they were Advancing on our Lines,
after having reinforced their Troops with their Horse, etc., and
that they were out at Roxbury. We expected this would have been
an Important day. They are reinforced but have not Advanced.
So things remain at present as they were. We have killed them
many Men and have killed and wounded about an hundred by
the best Accounts I can get, among the first of which to our inex
pressible Grief is my Friend Doctor Warren who was killd it is sup
posed in the Lines on the Hill at Charlestown in a Manner more
Glorious to himself than the fate of Wolfe on the plains of Abra
ham. Many other officers are wounded and some killd. It is Im
possible to describe the Confusion in this place, Women and Chil
dren flying into the Country, armed Men Going to the field, and
wounded Men returning from there fill the Streets. I shant
Attempt a description. Your Brother 2 borrowed a Gun, etc., and
i Printed in part in I Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, xn. 68.
^ Joseph Otis (1726-1810).
6o Warren-Adams Letters [1775
went among the flying Bullets at Charlestown returned last Eve
ning 10 o'clock, the Librarian 1 got a slight wound with a musket
Ball in his hand. Howland has this minute come in with your
Letter. The Continental Congress have done and are doing every
thing we can wish. Dr. Church, retd. last Evening and Brot. reso
lutions for assuming Govt. and for supplying provisions and pow
der, and he tells us tho under the rose that they are contemplating
and have perhaps finished the Establishment of the Army and
an Emission of money to pay and support them, and he thinks the
operations of yesterday will be more than sufficient to Induce them
to recommend the Assumption of new forms of Govt. to all the
Colonies. I wish I could be more perticular. I am now in a Com
mittee of Importance and only steal time to add Sentences sepe-
rately. I feel for my Dear Wife, least her Apprehensions should
hurt her health, be not concerned about me, take care of your Self,
you can secure a retreat and have proper Notice in Season, and if
you are safe and the Boys I shall be happy fall what will to my
Interest. I cant be willing you should come into this part of the
Country at present. I will see you as soon as possible; can't say
when. The mode of Govt prescribd is according to the last
Charter. Some are quite satisfied with it, you know I wishd for a
more perfect one, it is now Monday Morning. I hear nothing yet
but the roaring of Cannon below, but no Body regards them. I
need not say that I long to see you, perhaps never more in my life.
I shall try hard for it this week. I hope your Strawberries are well
taken care of and that you have fine feasting on them. Your
Brother is waiting for Freeman,2 who with all his patriotism has
left us for 10 days. I have Letters from both Mr Adams and Cush-
ing. I can't Inclose them, because I must answer them when I
can get Oppy. I am calld on and must Conclude with my wishes
and prayers for your Happiness and with Love to my Boys and
regards to Friends. Your aff Husband,
JAS. WARREN
S. Adams is very unwell — the Jaundice to a great degree and his
Spirits somewhat depressd. Church hopes he will recover. I hope
some of us will survive this Contest. Church has put into my
I James Winthrop, librarian of Harvard College. 2 Samuel Freeman, of Falmouth?
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 61
hands a Curious Letter full of Interesting Intelligence. I wish I
could give it to you you may remember to ask me about it and the
author. I have shown it to Coll. Otis. If he goes before me enquire
of him. Your Brother Jem dined with us yesterday, behaved
well till dinner, was almost done and then in the old way got up
went off where I know not; has been about at Cambridge and
Roxbury several days. Adieu.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, June 20, 1775
MY FRIEND, — This Letter will go by the Sage, brave and amiable
General Washington, to whom I have taken the Liberty of men
tioning your Name.
The Congress has at last voted near twenty thousand Men in
Massachusetts and New York, and an Emission of a Continental
Currency to maintain them.
You will have Lee, as third in Command, Ward being the Sec
ond, Schuyler of New York the fourth, and Putnam the fifth.
Ten Companies of Rifle Men, too, are ordered from Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia.
Nothing has given me more Torment, than the Scuffle We have
had in appointing the General Officers. We could not obtain a
Vote upon our seat for L[ee]. Sam and John fought for him, how
ever, through all the Weapons. Dismal Bugbears were raised.
There were Prejudices enough among the weak and fears enough
among the timid, as well as other obstacles from the Cunning: but
the great Necessity for officers of skill and Experience, prevailed.
I have never formed any Friendship or particular Connection with
Lee, but upon the most mature Deliberation I judged him the best
qualified for the Service and the most likely to connect the Col
onies, and therefore gave him my Vote, and am willing to abide
the Consequences.
I am much obliged to you for yours of June 1 1. Pray write me
a State of the Army, their Numbers, and a List of the officers and
the Condition of the poor People of Boston. My Heart bleeds for
them.
62 Warren-Adams Letters [1775
We have a great Show this Morning here. Our great Generals
Washington and Lee review the three battalions of this City. I
believe there never was two thousand Soldiers created out of noth
ing so suddenly, as in this City, you would be surprized to behold
them, all in Uniforms, and very expert both in the Manual and4
Maneuvres. They go through the wheelings and Firings in sub
divisions, grand Divisions, and Platoons, with great Exactness,
our Accounts from all Parts of the Continent are very pleasing,
the Spirit of the People is such as you would wish.
I hope to be nearer to you at least, very soon. How does your
Government go on ? If We have more bad News from England the
other Colonies will follow your Example.
My Love to all Friends. Yours,
JOHN ADAMS
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, June 20, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Since my last I have the pleasure of several of
yours. I am extreamly obliged to you, and to continue your atten
tion to me in this way can assure you I don't fail to make use
of any thing I think will serve the publick from your Letters. I
communicated to both our Generals that paragraph of your Letter
containing General Lee's opinion of the Generals and character
particularly of Burgoine. Yours per Mr. Hall I never received
till the day before .yesterday. I have never seen those Gentlemen;
shall observe your recommendation when I do. You will doubtless
hear before this reaches you of another Action here on Saturday
last, which terminated with less success on our side than any one
that has taken place before. However, they have nothing to
boast of but the possession of the Ground. You will say that is
enough. It is enough to mark with Infamy those who suffered it;
but they have paid very dearly for it, in the loss of many men.
They landed about 2000. I can't learn who commanded them.
Were more than repulsed by the Bravery of our men in the imper
fect Lines hove up the Night before, who, had they been supplied
with Ammunition, and a small reinforcement of fresh men, would,
1775] JVarren- Adams Letters 63
tho' under every disadvantage have in all probability cut them to
pieces. Here fell our worthy and much lamented Friend Doctor
Warren, with as much Glory as Wolf on the Plains of Abraham,
after performing many feats of Bravery and exhibiting a Coolness
and Conduct which did Honour to the Judgment of his Country
in appointing him a few days before one of their Major Generals.
At once admired and lamented in such a manner as to make it
difficult to determine whether regret or envy predominated. Had
our brave men, posted on Ground injudiciously at first taken, had
a Lee or a Washington instead of a General destitute of all mili
tary Ability x and Spirit to command them, it is my Opinion the day
would have terminated with as much Glory to America as the iQth
of April. This is our great Misfortune, and is remediless from any
other quarter than yours. We dare not superceed him here; it will
come well from you, and really merits your attention. That and
a necessary article which makes me tremble to name or think of is
all we want. Our men were harrassed all the morning by Cannon
from 2 Batteries, 2 Ships, and a Bomb Battery, and at the Attack
by a great number of armed Boats, and nevertheless made a stout
resistance. Some fatality always attends my Attempts to write you.
I am called away and fear I shan't be able to add another paragraph.
I must beg you would make my Acknowledgments to Mr. Gush
ing and my good Friend Mr. Adams for their kind favours. I fully
designed to have wrote them, but this Express goes off so suddenly
as not to give me an Opportunity. Shall embrace the next as well
as to enlarge to you. The Hurry of our Affairs can hardly be de
scribed. We have just received an Account by a Man who is said
to have swam out of Boston, that we killed and wounded 1000 of
them, among the first of which is a General, Majors Sherrif and
Pitcairn and 60 other officers. 70 officers wounded. The whole of
the Troops landed at Charlestown were 5000. This Account is
not improbable to me, but I cannot warrant the Authenticity of
it. I am your Friend. Adieu.
J. WARREN
Mrs. Adams and family were well when I last heard from them.
I have had great pleasure in conversing with Doctor Church who
1 Artemas Ward.
64 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
gives me a good account of your Spirit, Unanimity, etc. I am well
pleased with most of your resolves. I can't however say that I
admire the form of Government prescribed. But we are all Sub
mission and are sending out our Letters for calling an Assembly.
I hope we shall have as good an opportunity for a good Govern-'
ment in some future time.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JOSEPH WARREN1
PHILADA., June [20], 1775
DEAR SIR, — I have but one Moment to inform you that this
Congress, having as I before wrote you appointed General Washing
ton to the Command of all the American Forces, and Majors Gen
eral Ward and Lee, they yesterday proceeded to the appointment
of two more Majors General, viz. Schuyler and Putnam. General
Lee has accepted of his appointment and will I suppose tomorrow
set off with General Washington for Cambridge. The Congress
seems determined to support their Army before Boston. They are
fully sensible of the Importance of it and have recommended to
the Colonies of Connecticutt, R. Island and N. Hampshire to send
the Troops they have agreed to raise without Delay to Cambridge,
there to remain till further Orders (excepting such as were destined
to the several Posts in the Colony of N. York.) 2
You have doubtless been informed by Mr. H[ancock] that you
may soon expect ten Companies of Rifle men to joyn the Army.
I am more and more satisfied in the Appointment of General
Lee. He is certainly an able officer and I think deeply embarked
in the American Cause. The Congress have agreed to indemnify
him from any loss of Property he may sustain by acting as an
officer in the Army, but this I mention only to you at present and
the small Circle. If any should be disaffected to his Appointment,
pray use your utmost Endeavor to reconcile them to it. I am in
great Haste, Your assured friend,
S. ADAMS
1 Received by James Warren after the death of Dr. Warren.
2 Journals of the Continental Congrfss, n. 99.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 65
JOHN ADAMS TO JOSEPH WARREN l
PHYLADELPHIA, June 21, 1775
DR. SIR, — This Letter I presume will be delivered into your
own Hand by the General. He proposes to set out, tomorrow, for
your Camp. God speed him. Lee is Second Major General,
Schuyler who is to command at N. York is the third and Putnam
the fourth. How many Brigadiers general we shall have, whether
five, seven or eight, is not determined, nor who they shall be. One
from N. Hampshire, one from R. Island, two from Connecticutt
one from N. York, and three from Massachusetts, perhaps.
I am almost impatient to be at Cambridge. We shall maintain
a good Army for you. I expect to hear of Grumbletonians, some
from parsimonious and others from Superstitious Prejudices.
But we do the best we can, and leave the Event.
How do you like your Government? Does it make or remove
Difficulties? I wish We were nearer to you.
The Tories lie very low both here and at New York. The latter
will very soon be as deep as any Colony.
We have Major Skeene 2 a Prisoner, enlarged a little on his
Parol, a very great Tool. I hope Govr. Tryon3 will be taken care
of. But We find a great many Bundles of weak Nerves. We are
obliged to be as delicate and soft and modest and humble as possible.
Pray stir up every Man, who has a Quill to write me. We want
to know the Number of your Army, a List of your officers, a State
of your Government, the Distresses of Boston, the Condition of
the Enemy, etc. I am, Dr Sir, your Friend,
JOHN ADAMS
We have all recommended Billy Tudor 4 for a Secretary to the
General. Will he make a good one?
This moment informed of Powder arrived here, 500 Blls they
say. We must send it along to you.
1 The letter is endorsed " Received by General James Warren after the death of General
Joseph Warren."
2 Philip Skene (1725-1810). See Adams, Familiar Letters, 61.
3 William Tryon (1725-1788).
4 William Tudor (1750-1819). He was appointed Judge Advocate of the army, July
29, 1775.
66 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, June 27, 1775
MY DEAR FRIEND, — I am extremely obliged to you for your
Favour of the 2Oth of June. The last Fall I had a great many
Friends who kept me continually well informed of every Event
as it occurred: But this Time I have lost all my Friends, excepting
Coll. Warren of Plymouth, and Coll. Palmer of Braintree, and my
Wife.
Our dear Warren has fallen, with Laurells on his Brows as fresh
and blooming as ever graced an Hero.
I have suffered infinitely this Time, from ill Health and blind
Eyes at a Time when a vast Variety of great Objects were crowd
ing upon my Mind, and when my dear Country was suffering all
the Calamities of Famine, Pestilence, Fire, and Sword at once.
At this Congress we do as well as we can. I must leave it to
some future opportunity, which I have a charming Confidence will
certainly come to inform you fully of the History of our Debates
and Resolutions.
Last Saturday night at Eleven o'clock an Express arrived from
the worthy Govr Trumbull informing of the Battle of Charlestown.
An hundred Gentlemen flocked to our Lodgings to hear the News.
At one o' Clock Mr H[ancock] Mr A[dams] and myself went out to
enquire after the Committee of this City, in order to beg some
Powder. We found Some of them, and these with great Politeness
and Sympathy for their brave Brethren in the Mass, agreed to go
that night and send forward about Ninety Quarter Casks and be
fore Morning it was in Motion. Between two and three o'Clock I
got to bed.
We are contriving every Way we can think of to get you Powder.
We have a Number of Plans for making Salt Petre and Gentle
men here are very confident that we shall be able to furnish Salt
Petre and Powder of our own Manufacture, and that very Soon.
A Method of making it will be published very soon by one of our
Committees.1
I ^ Printed by Bradford at Philadelphia, and reprinted, with additions by William
Whiting, by Benjamin Edes.
*?7 si Warren- Adams Letters 67
Before this reaches you, Gen. Washington, Lee, etc., will arrive
among you. I wish to God, you had been appointed a General
Officer in the Room of some others. Adams and Adams strove to
get it done. But, Notions, narrow Notions prevented it — not
dislike to you, but fear of disobliging Pomroy,1 and his Friends.
Your Govt. was the best We could obtain for you. We have
passed some Resolutions concerning North Carolina which will
do a great deal of good.2 We have allowed them to raise 1000 Men,
and to take Care of Traytors, if necessary. This must be kept secret.
We are sending you Ten Companies of Rifle Men. These, if the
Gentlemen of the Southern Colonies are not very partial and much
mistaken, are very fine fellows. They are the most accurate Marks
men in the World; they kill with great Exactness at 200 yards
Distance; they have Sworn certain death to the ministerial offi
cers. May they perform their oath.
You will soon find that the Continental Congress are in, deep
enough. The Commissions to the officers of the Army; the Vote for
your Government; the Votes about North Carolina; and a Multi
tude of other Votes which you will soon hear of will convince you.
I have inclosed you a hint about salt Petre. Germans and others
here have an opinion that every stable, Dove house, Cellar, Vault,
etc., is a Mine of salt Petre. The inclosed Proclamation, coincides
with this opinion. The Mould under stables, etc., may be boiled
soon into salt Petre it is said. Numbers are about it here.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, June 27, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I feel great reluctance in suffering any op
portunity to pass without writing to you. I can easily suppose your
anxiety as well as curiosity make you sollicitous to hear every thing
that passes here.
Since my last nothing material has taken place. The military
operations have consisted in a few movements, and a few shot ex
changed with very little effect, sometimes on the side of Roxbury,
I Seth Pomroy (1706-1777). 2 Journals of the Continental Congress, HI. 107.
68 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
and sometimes on the side of Charlestown. Our army have taken
every precaution in their power for their defence, and future opera
tions. They are heaving up lines from Charles to Mystick River
and have them in great forwardness. They are carried across
Temple's farm, and his beautiful groves of locusts have fallen a
sacrifice to the necessity of the times. At Roxbury they have
fortified themselves in a manner almost as impregnable as Gage has
done in Boston. We want but one article to enable us to act of
fensively, and make a vigorous campaign. Men in fine spirits, well
provided with every thing but the one I mention. The Generals
appointed give us great satisfaction, especially the first and the
third, whose characters have for a great while been such as to fix
our esteem and confidence. Your attention must be fixed on the
article of powder, or — I will say no more. I can't but hope you
will make some suitable provision for our General Thomas.1 His
merits in the military way have surprised us all. I can't describe
to you the odds between the two camps. While one has been
spiritless, sluggish, confused and dirty, I mean where General Put
nam and our Friend Warren's influence have not had their effects;
the other has been spirited, active, regular and clean. He has ap
peared with the dignity and abilities of a General.
We have no intercourse with Boston, get no intelligence from
there but by those who steal out. From them we have certain ac
counts of the amazing slaughter made in the last action. Their
men die of the slightest wounds, owing to the manner of living
they are reduced to, so there will in the end be but little odds be
tween being killed or wounded, and we may return perhaps 14 or
1500 killed. I am told General Howe says the army shall not re
turn to Boston but by the way of Roxbury. A very pretty march.
It is with confidence said that Burgoine has not been seen since
the action, and it is given out that he is gone home. We are not
without our hopes that we shall have little trouble from his enter
prising genius. With regard to us, we are as busy as you ever saw
pismires on a mole hill. Our attention is principally fixed on the
i John Thomas (1725-1776), who had just (May 25) accepted the appointment
of lieutenant general of the Massachusetts army, journals of the Provincial Congress
(Mass.), 258.
Warren- Adams Letters 69
army, to equip, regulate, quiet and inspirit them, and enough it is
at times for us. Generals Washington and Lee I dare say will
relieve us. ... T ,17
JAS. WARREN
I have not been able to obtain the pamphlet you mentioned, and
indeed after seeing it advertised in a [New] York paper have been
less sollicitous, supposing you would have it from there.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, June 28, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I have received your Letter of the 21 Instant
and am beyond Measure rejoycd at the tryed Bravery of the
American Troops in Charlestown. I hope speedily to receive a
particular and exact Account of the killed and wounded on both
sides. If the List on the side of the ministerial Army comes near
to 1000, as seems to be the general opinion it may cool the Courage
of the three Generals lately arrivd ; 1 of the Courage of Gage I have
been taught to entertain no Opinion.
I find by the Letters from our Friends that a Suspicion prevails
of the Courage, Activity, or military Knowledge of some of our
Generals. But, my dear Sir, take Care lest Suspicions be carried
to a dangerous Length. Our Army have behavd valiantly. There
may have been an Error; but that Error may have proceeded not
from a Want of Spirit but a Want of Judgment. We have appointed
the Generals you ask for. Preserve that Union upon which every
thing we wish for depends. The Experience of Washington and
Lee may make good all Deficiencies. Why should any of our
Friends hesitate about the propriety of giving a Command to
Genl. Lee?2 He was not born an American, but he has heartily
1 Howe, Burgoyne and Clinton.
2 "I feel very, very happy in being able to give you assurances that will relieve an
anxiety that I discover in your letter. You may rely on it, no suspicions, no uneasiness
prevails at all with regard to our old generals, and everybody seems to be perfectly satisfied
with the appointment of the new ones. I mean Washington and Lee. I have not heard a
single objection to the last of them. ... I know not what to say of your friend Lee. I believe
he is a soldier, and a very industrious, active one; he came in just before dinner, drank some
punch, said he wanted no dinner, took no notice of the company, mounted his horse, and
went off again to the lines. I admire the soldier, but think civility, or even politeness not
incompatible with his character. But this inter nos. I shall take care to speak highly of him
on all occasions." James Warren to Samuel Adams, July 9, 1775. In Wells, Life of Samuel
70 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
espoused the Cause of America and abhors the oppressive Measures
of the British Government against America. Prince Eugene, if I
mistake not was a Frenchman1 but he was a Scourge to France,
and Marshall Saxe would have been equally, perhaps more so, if
Great Britain had not foolishly slighted his offered Service. Ad
mitting his Integrity, of which I cannot doubt, I think the sound
Policy of appointing General Lee is evident, other English officers
may from hence be assured that if they will afford a sufficient
Pledge of their Merit they may have the Opportunity of distin
guishing their Valor in the Cause of Liberty in America. So desirous
was the Congress, that this Country should avail itself of the Abili
ties of Lee that they have voted to indemnify him for the Loss of
property he may incur by engaging in this Service to the amount of
£i 1,000 sterling, being the Estimate of his Estate in England, as
soon as it shall be made to appear that such loss or any part of it
hath happend.
This I think interests him strongly, and I mention it by no
means that it should be made publick, for I think that would be
imprudent, but to induce our Circle of Friends with the greater
Cheerfulness to reconcile his Appointment to any, if such there be,
who have any Scruples about it.
I sincerely lament the Loss of our truly amiable and worthy
Friend Dr. Warren. There has scarcely if ever been a Cause so
evidently just as that in which he fell so gloriously.
Pray write to me by every Opportunity. I have not time to en
large or even to correct what I have written. Adieu my Friend.
S. ADAMS
The two inclos'd Letters to Mrs. Hooper2 and Mrs. Inman3 are
from Wm Hooper, Esqr.,4 one of the Delegates from N. Carolina
who desires me to recommend them to your Care.5
Adams, 11. 3 15. Lee did not make a wholly pleasing impression on Mrs. Warren. Lossing,
Field Book (1853), n. 224 n. See the "address" of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress
and Lee's reply in N.Y. Hist. Soc. Collections, 1871, 186.
1 Francois Eugene, of Savoy (1663-1736), was born in Paris, son of the Count of Sois-
sons and the niece of Cardinal Mazarin.
2 Annie Clark.
3 Elizabeth Murray (Campbell) Inman, wife of Ralph Inman, of Cambridge.
4 William Hooper (1742-1790).
5 A letter from Samuel Adams to James Warren, July 2, 1775, is in Wells, Life of
Samuel Adams, n. 317.
'7751 Warren- Adams Letters 71
MERCY WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, July 5, 1775
DEAR SIR, — I have had the pleasure of seeing several of your
letters in which you complain that your friends are rather remiss
with regard to writing you, which I think inexcusable at a time
when the liberties of all America and the fate of the British Em
pire depends in a great measure on the result of your deliberations.
For if that respectable body of which you are a member fails,
either from want of early intelligence or from any other cause at
this important crisis, to pursue the wisest measures, what but in
evitable destruction to this country must follow.
Could I have hoped it was in my power to give you either pleas
ure or intelligence, I should long ere this have taken up my pen,
and added one more to the triumvirate of your friends. For be
assured there are very few who can with more sincerity subscribe
their names to the list. But as I write in compliance with Mr.
Warren's request, I must tell you his application to public affairs
leaves him little time to attend to the demands of private friend
ship. And could you look into a certain Assembly you would not
wonder that his time is wholly engrossed, or that we ardently wish
you may soon be here to assist in the public counsels of your own
distressed Province.
I shall not attempt to give you a description of the ten fold
difficulties that surround us. You have doubtless had it from bet
ter hands. Yet I cannot forbear to drop a tear over the inhabitants
of our capital, most of them sent naked from the city to seek a
retreat in the villages, and to cast themselves on the chanty of
the first hospitable hand that will receive them. Those who are
left behind are exposed to the daily insults of a foe lost to that sense
of honour, freedom and valour, once the characteristic of Britons,
and even of the generosity and humanity which has long been the
boast of all civilized nations. And while the plagues of famine,
pestilence and tyranny reign within the walls, the sword is lifted
without, and the artillery of war continually thundering in our
ears.
The sea coasts are kept in constant apprehensions of being made
Warren- Adams Letters [1775
miserable by the depredations of the once formidable navy of
Britain, now degraded to a level with the corsairs of Barbary.
At the same time they are piratically plundering the Isles, and
pilfering the borders to feed the swarms of veteran slaves shut up
in the town. They will not suffer a poor fisherman to cast his hook
in the ocean to bring a little relief to the hungry inhabitants with
out the pitiful bribe of a dollar each to the use of Admiral Greaves.
The venal system of administration appears to the astonishment
of every good man in the corruption, duplicity and meanness,
which run through every department, and while the faithless Gage
will be marked with infamy for breach of promise, by the impartial
historian, will not the unhappy Bo-stonians be reproached with
want of spirit in putting it out of their own power to resent re
peated injuries by giving these arms into the hand, which would
have been better placed in the heart of a tyrant.
And now they are forbidden even to look out from their own
house tops when he sends out his ruffians l to butcher their breth
ren, and wrap in flames the neighbouring towns. But I think this
advertisement was as great a mark of timidity as the transaction
was of a savage ferocity.2 The laws of gratitude surely demanded
that they should spare that town at least whose inhabitants from
a principle of humanity saved the routed troops of George the
Third from total destruction after the battle of Lexington.
But nothing that has taken place is more regretted than the
death of your friend, the brave, the humane, the good Dr. Warren.
And though he fell covered with laurels and the wing of fame is
spread over his monument, we are almost led to enquire why the
useful, the virtuous patriot is cut off ere he reaches the meridian of
his days, while the grey headed delinquent totters under the weight
of accumulated guilt, and counting up his scores, is still adding
crime to crime, till all mankind detest the hoary wretch, yet suffer
him to live, to trifle with the rights of society, and to sport with
the miseries of man.
The people here are universally pleased with the appointment of
Generals Washington and Lee. I hope the delegates of the united
Colonies will continue to act with dignity to themselves, and in a
i This may be Russians. 2 See Adams, Familiar Letters, 74.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 73
manner which will promote the glory, virtue and happiness of
America. Let not the indiscreet nor the sanguinary conduct of any
individual damp the ardor of such as are ready to fly to our assist
ance and generously to sacrifice the enjoyments of domestic life in
support of freedom, and the inherent rights of their fellow men..
Your friend Dr. Cooper has just informed me that Dr. Eliot is
confined on board a man of war,1 and several of the inhabitants of
Boston imprisoned. The crime of the first was the praying for
Congresses, Continental and Provincial, and that of others was
wishing success to American army.
Sad reflections on the times into which we are fallen crowd fast
upon my mind; but I will no longer call off your attention from
most important matters by expressing them. . . .
M. WARREN
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, June [July] 6th, 1775
DEAR SIR, — Every Line I receive from you gives me great Pleas
ure and is of vast Use to me in the public Cause. Your Letters were
very usefull to me last Fall. Your Character became then known
and much esteemed. The few Letters I have reed from you this
Time, have increased the Desire of more, and some other Gentle
men who happened to know you, particularly Governor Hopkins 2
and Ward 3 of Rhode Island, have confirmed every good opinion
which had been formed. I must intreat you to omit no Opportu
nity of Writing and to be as particular as possible.
Want of frequent Communication and particular Intelligence
led us into the unfortunate Arrangement of General Officers which
is likely to do so much Hurt. /We never reed the most distant In
timation of any Design to new model your Army; and indeed Some
of us were obliged to give up our own Judgments merely from Re
spect to what We took to be the Arrangement of our provincial
Congress. I have made it my Business ever since I heard of this
Error to wait upon Gentn. of the Congress at their Lodgings and
1 Andrew Eliot (1718-1778), pastor of the New North Church in Boston. He was
not thus confined.
2 Stephen Hopkins (1707-1785). 3 Samuel Ward (1725-1776).
74 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
elsewhere to let them into the Secret and contrive a Way to get
out of the Difficulty, which I hope we shall effect.
I rejoice to hear of the great military Virtues and Abilities of
General Thomas.
Alas poor Warren! Dulce et decorum est pro P atria mori. Yet I
regret his Appointment to such a Command. For God's Sake my
Friend let us be upon our Guard, against too much Admiration of
our greatest Friends. President of the Congress, Chairman of the
Committee of Safety, Major General and Chief Surgeon of the
Army, was too much for Mortal, and This Accumulation of Admira
tion upon one Gentleman, which among the Hebrews was called
Idolatry, has deprived us forever of the Services of one of our best
and ablest Men. We have not a sufficient Number of such Men
left to be prodigal of their Lives in future.
Every Brain is at Work to get Powder and salt-Petre, I hope
We shall succeed, but We must be very Oeconomical of that Ar
ticle. We must not use large Cannon if We can possibly avoid it.
This Letter will go by two fighting Quakers. Mr. Stephen Col
lins 1 and Mr. John Kaighn [Keays]. The first is the most hospitable
benevolent Man alive. He is a Native of Lynn, a brother of Ezra
Collins 2 of Boston and is rich, and usefull here. The last has been
the Instrument of raising a Quaker Company in this City, who be
have well and look beautifully in their Uniforms. My Love, Duty,
Respects etc. where due. Adieu.
JOHN ADAMS
Secret and Confidential, as the Saying is.
The Congress is not yet so much alarmed as it ought to be.
There are still hopes, that Ministry and Parliament, will immedi
ately recced as soon as they hear of the Battle of Lexington, the
Spirit of New York and Phyladelphia, the Permanency of the
Union of the Colonies etc. : I think they are much deceived and
that we shall have nothing but Deceit and Hostility, Fire, Famine,
Pestilence and Sword from Administration and Parliament. Yet
the Colonies like all Bodies of Men must and will have their Way
and their Humour, and even their Whims.
These opinions of Some Colonies which are founded I think
I (1733-1794), son of Zaccheus and Elizabeth Collins. ^ (1729-1807).
'775] Warren- Adams Letters 75
in their Wishes and passions, their Hopes and Fears, rather than
in Reason and Evidence will give a whimsical Cast to the Pro
ceedings of this Congress. You will see a strange Oscillation be
tween love and hatred, between War and Peace — Preparations
for War and Negociations for Peace. We must have a Petition
to the King 1 and a delicate Proposal of Negociation, etc. This
Negociation I dread like Death: But it must be proposed. We
cant avoid it. Discord and total Disunion would be the certain
Effect of a resolute Refusal to petition and negociate. My
Hopes are that Ministry will be afraid of Negociation as well as
We and therefore refuse it. If they agree to it, We shall have
Occasion for all our Wit Vigilance and Virtue to avoid being de
ceived, wheedled threatened or bribed out of our Freedom. If we
Strenuously insist upon our Liberties, as I hope and am pretty
sure We shall however, a Negotiation, if agreed to, will terminate
in Nothing, it will effect nothing. We may possibly gain Time and
Powder and Arms.
You will see an Address to the People of G. Britain,2 another to
those of Ireland,3 and another to Jamaica.4
You will also see a Spirited Manifesto.5 We ought immediately
to dissolve all Ministerial Tyrannies, and Custom houses, set up
Governments of our own, like that of Connecticutt in all the Col
onies, confederate together like an indissoluble Band, for mutual
defence, and open our Ports to all Nations immediately. This is
the system that your Friend has arrived at promoting from first to
last: But the Colonies are not yet ripe for it — a Bill of Attainder,
etc., may soon ripen them.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHYLADELPHIA, June [July] 6th, 1775
DR SIR, — I have this Moment Sealed a Letter to you which is
to go by my hospitable honest benevolent Friend Stephen Collins.
I Journals of the Continental Congress, n. 158. 2 Ib., 162. 3 Ib., 212.
4 Ib., 204. This was in recognition of an humble petition and memorial of the Assembly
of Jamaica to the King, dated December 28, 1774, and printed in Massachusetts Gazette
March 2, 1775.
5 On taking arms. Ib., 128.
76 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
But I have several Particulars to mention to you which are omit
ted in that Letter. Ten Companies of expert Riflemen have been
ordered already from the 3 Colonies of Pennsylvania], M{ary-
land], and Virginia] 1 some of them have marched under excellent
officers. We are told by Gentlemen here that these Riflemen are
Men of Property and Family, some of them of independent
Fortunes, who go from the purest Motives of Patriotism and
Benevolence into this service. I hope they will have Justice done
them and Respect shewn them by our People of every Rank and
order. I hope also that our People will learn from them the Use
of that excellent Weapon a Rifled barrelled Gun.
A few Minutes past, a curious Phenomenon appeared at the
Door of our Congress — a german Hussar, a veteran in the Wars
in Germany, in his Uniform and on Horseback, a forlorn Cap upon
his Head, with a Streamer waiving from it half down to his Waist
band, with a Deaths Head painted in Front, a beautifull Hussar
Cloak ornamented with Lace and Fringe and Cord of Gold, a
Scarlet Waist coat under it, with shining yellow metal Buttons, a
Light Gun strung over his shoulder, — and a Turkish Sabre much
Superior to an high Land broad sword very large and excellently
fortifyed by his side — Holsters and Pistols upon his Horse — In
Short the most warlike and formidable Figure, I ever saw.2
He says he has fifty Such Men ready to inlist under him imme
diately who have been all used to the service as Hussars in Ger
many, and desirous to ride to Boston immediately in order to see
Burgoigne's light Horse. This would have a fine Effect upon the
Germans through the Continent of whom there are Multitudes.
What will be done is yet uncertain. I should not myself be fond of
raising many Soldiers out of N. England. But the other Colonies
are more fond of sending Men than I expected. They have their
Reasons, some plausible, Some whimsical. They have a Secret
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, n. 89.
2 "On motion, Resolved, That the delegates from Pennsylvania have liberty to treat with
and employ 50 Hussars, who have been in actual service, and send them forward to join
the troops before Boston under General Washington." Journals of the Continental Congress,
ii. 173. This action was hasty and ill-advised, and three weeks later Congress directed the
discharge of any who_ had been engaged under this resolution. Ib., 238. In June, 1776,
the Congress determined to raise a German battalion in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
2 Pennsylvania Archives, xi. 73. Its colonel, Nicholas Haussegger, commissioned in July,
1776, deserted to the British in July, 1778.
1775] IV arr en- A dams Letters 77
Fear, a Jealousy, that New England will soon be full of Veteran
Soldiers and at length conceive Designs unfavourable to the other
Colonies. This may be Justly thought whimsical. But others
Say, that by engaging their own Gentlemen and Peasants and
Germans etc they shall rivet their People to the public Cause —
this has more weight in it. But that it may have this Effect it is
necessary that all who shall be sent be respectfully treated.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, July 7, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I am much obliged to you for your favours
by the sage, brave, and amiable General Washington, by Major
Mifflin, and by the express which came to hand the night before
/ last. I am much pleased with General Washington. He fully an
swers the character you have given of him. Major MifBin I have
not yet found out, tho' I am told he was once in the room while
I was at the General's. I shall take particular care to know him
soon, perhaps this day, as I am to dine with the General. General
Lee I have seen but a minute. He appears to me a genius in his
way; he had the marks about him of having been in the trenches.
/ I heartily rejoice at the appointment of these two generals, and
I dare say it will give you pleasure to hear that every body seems
to be satisfied with it. I have not heard a single word uttered
against it. This is more than I expected with regard to the second.
Since their arrival every thing goes well in the army. They are
quiet, busy, and forming fast to order. Our business lessens upon
our hands, and we find a great relief from the General's arrival. I
am told they are very active, etc. You will have a return of the
army from the General I suppose, who will be able to give it with
more accuracy than any body. The general estimation of our army
is about 16 or 17000, ten of which are at Cambridge etc., the re
mainder at Roxbury. We can't with any certainty determine the
numbers of the enemy. We suppose from the best grounds we have
that when the [New] York troops arrive, which are daily expected,
they will amount to 9,000 at least, perhaps more, including the
black and white negroes engaged in their service in Boston. The
V/
7 8 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
battle of Charlestown gave them a great shock. It is now pretty
certain that near 1500, and chiefly of their best troops, among
which were about 90 officers, were killed and wounded, about
looo of which were killed. This is amazing, but I believe true. I
will endeavour to get and inclose the return exact as we have it.
Your appointment of the other generals I can't say is so well ap
proved of. We can't investigate the principle you went on, tho'
I think I can trace an influence that marks some of them. But I
will say no more on that head; you have enough of it in a letter I.
wrote in conjunction with H[eath] and G[erry]. The general was
very sorry and somewhat embarrassed with the neglect of Thomas.
I am told Heath behaves very well, and is willing to give place to
him. I am much obliged to you and my friend Adams for thinking
of me. I am content to move in a small sphere. I expect no dis
tinction but that of an honest man who has exerted every nerve.
You and I must be content without a slice from the great pudding
now on the table. The condition of the poor people of Boston is
truly miserable. We are told that James Lovel, Master Leach 1
and others are in gaol for some trifling offences, the last for drink
ing success to the American army. Their offences may be capital.
It is reported that Doctors Elliot and Mather 2 are on board a
man of war. From those circumstances you may form an idea of
their situation.
I am very sorry for the trouble given you by your companions
and eyes. I hope to hear the last are better, if not the first. I am
much pleased with your doings in general, and the prospects you
hold up to me. Is it not our duty to pray that the infatuation of
Britain may last one year more at least. The powder you sent us
arrived yesterday, and was viewed as it passed with a kind of pleas
ure I suppose you felt in sending it. The want of that article is the
only obstacle I have in getting through a project of mine for a
fleet. I made the motion early in the Sessions, and though op
posed by Pickering,3 etc., this is the only reason that prevailed.
1 John Leach (i724?-i799) kept a "navigation school" in Boston before the Revolution.
Hie diary during his confinement is in N,E. Hist. Gen. Register, xix. 255.
2 Samuel Mather (1706-1785).
3 John Pickering (1740-1811). See Journals of the Provincial Congress (Mass.), 308, 318,
361.
1775] W wren- Adams Letters 79
We talk of rising tomorrow. I hope we shall. I long to ramble in
the fields a day or two, and more especially since they have been
watered with delightful showers. . . .
JAS. WARREN
... I can't send you a list of the officers of our army. I hope you
wont make establishments for them in proportion to what you
hint is done for the Generals. High Establishments will not be rel
ished here, and I think bad policy in every view, and will lead us
fast into the sins, folly and sufferings of our old impolitic and un
natural mother. There is a printed account of the battle got out of
Boston giving a gorgeous account of their victory over the rebels,
with a great slaughter made among them, and with a loss of only
170 on their side. This lying paper I cannot obtain for you.1
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July loth, 1775
DR SIR, — I have just Time to inclose you a Declaration and
an Address.2 How you will like them I know not. A Petition was
sent yesterday by Mr. Richard Penn in one ship and a Duplicate
goes in another Ship this day. In exchange for these Petitions,
Declarations and Addresses I suppose We shall receive Bills of
Attainder and other such like Expressions of Esteem and Kindness.
This Forenoon has been spent in an Examination of a Mr Kirk-
land,3 a worthy Missionary among the Oneida Indians. He was
very usefull last Winter among all the Six Nations, by interpreting
and explaining the Proceedings of the Continental Congress and
by representing the Union and Power of the Colonies as well as
the Nature of the Dispute.
The Congress inclines to wait for Despatches from General
Washington before they make any Alteration in the Rank of the
Generals, least they should make some other Mistake. But every
Body is well inclined to place General Thomas in the Stead of
Pomroy.
1 It is dated June 26. A copy is in the Massachusetts Historical Society.
2 Nos. 52 and 57 of the " Bibliographical Notes " in Journals of the Continental Congress,
in. 508.
3 Samuel Kirkland (1741-1808).
8o Warren- Adams Letters [1775
You must not communicate without great Discretion what I
write about our Proceedings, for all that I hint to you is not yet
public. I am etc.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA July n 1775
HOND AND DR SIR, — I have the Pleasure of inclosing you a
Declaration. Some call it a Manifesto. And We might easily have
occasioned a Debate of half a Day whether it should be called a
Declaration or a Manifesto.
Our Address to the People of Great Britain 1 will find many Ad
mirers among the Ladies, and fine Gentlemen; but it is not to my
Taste. Prettynesses, Juvenilities, and much less Puerilities be
come not a great assembly like this the Representative of a great
People.
July 23 We have voted Twenty-two thousand Men for your
Army. If this is not enough to encounter every Officer and Sol
dier in the british Army, if they were to send them all from Great
Britain and Ireland, I am mistaken.
What will N. England do with such Floods of Paper Money?
We shall get the Continent nobly in our Debt. We are Striking off
our Paper Bills in Nine different sorts, some of twenty Dollars,
some of Eight, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, I. We shall be obliged to strike off
four Millions of Dollars I fear.
Secret as usual. Our Fast 2 has .been kept more strictly and
devoutly than any Sunday was ever observed in this City. The
Congress heard Duche 3 in the Morning and Dr Allison 4 in the
Evening, good Sermons.
By the way do let our Friend Adams's son 5 be provided for as
a Surgeon.
1 The committee to prepare it was composed of Richard Henry Lee, Robert R. Living
ston and Edmund Pendleton. It is not known which member drafted the Address.
2 Appointed for July 20. 3 Jacob Duche (1737-1798).
4 Francis Allison (1736-1779).
5 Samuel Adams (1751-1788), who studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Warren. The re
turns show a surgeon of this name in Colonel Fellows' regiment, 1775; in Colonel Phinney's
regiment, 1776, and in the continental Hospital, 1777-1780, and possibly later.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 81
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATER-TOWN, July n, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote you several days ago, and wrote in a
hurry, expecting the General's express would be along before I
could finish. But he has been detained, and [I] am told will be on
his journey this morning. I was much chagrined last evening when
sitting under a tree by the bridge Fessenden rode up from Phila
delphia without a single letter for me. He says you complain that
you have no letters. I have endeavoured to do my part. I expected
we should have rose before this,1 and I should have got a range over
the fields before our election, but I begin to dispair. One thing after
another continually crowds upon us. The General thinks he should
have more men.2 I am of the same opinion. How to get them is
our difficulty. We are now raising 1700 for the express purpose of
guarding the sea coasts. The people are so engaged at this busy
season that the militia, if called, would'come with reluctance, and
tarry but a short time, just long enough to put the camp in con
fusion. What course we are to take in consequence of an applica
tion from the General which now only detains us, I know not. I
could wish to have seen more men from the southward. I always
forgot to tell you I have seen your letter to Gerry, expressing Mr.
Gadsden's3 opinion about fixing out armed vessels and setting up
for a naval power. I thought it very happy to have so great an
authority confirming my own sentiments, and having proposed in
Congress just such a project the beginning of the session, borrowed
the letter to support it. But yet I have not been able to effect it.
Pickering and his politics, the want of faith and ardor in Gerry,
etc., and above all the want of powder has prevented it. The last
is an objection, though I think it would be like planting corn. Ten
very good going sloops, from 10 to 16 guns, I am persuaded would
clear our coasts. What would 40 such be to the Continent. Such a
determination might make a good figure on your Journals. We
are all still; not a word of news since my last. The troops were
1 The Provincial Congress adjourned July 13.
2 Washington to Warren, July 10, 1775, in Writings (Ford), in. 5.
3 Christopher Gadsden (1724-1805).
82 W^arren-Adams Letters [1775
crossing the ferry yesterday in great numbers. Things will not re
main long in this situation. I expect another action soon. God
grant us success. I believe he will. . . .
JAS. WARREN
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., July 12, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Give me leave to recommend to your friendly
Notice and to desire you would introduce into the Circle of our
Friends Mr. Hugh Hughes 1 of New York, a worthy sensible Man,
whose Virtue has renderd him obnoxious to all the Tories of that
City. I know I cannot say more to you in favor of any Man. He is
perhaps as poor as I am but he "goes about doing good." I am
sincerely, your affectionate Frd.
S. ADAMS
Pray write me particularly of Men as well as Events.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, July 20, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I yesterday returned from Plymouth where
I had opportunity of spending only three or four days, in such a
scurry of private business as would scarcely admit of a single
meditation in the calm retirements of the fields. I breakfasted in
the morning with your sensible and amiable lady. She showed me
a letter from you. I read it with pleasure. I arrived here about 12
o'clock. You will say a late hour for election day. I found here two
of your letters, one of them inclosing the two pamphlets, and your
friend Mr. Collins called upon me this morning and delivered two
more. I think myself greatly obliged to you for your friendship,
confidence, and the marks of partiality I meet with in every letter
I receive from you. I had but an hour's conversation with your
friend. From the best judgment I can make in so short an ac
quaintance he is worthy of your friendship. I admire his open
frankness and judicious observations and sentiments. He has prom-
I Afterwards Assistant Quartermaster General. He died in 1810.
i?75] Warren-Adams Letters 83
ised to dine with me tomorrow or next day. Our new Assembly
met yesterday, and only chose Speaker and clerk,1 and postponed
the choice of Councillors till tomorrow morning. I fear with all this
deliberation we shall not get such a board as will please you. Bos
ton is the only place to hold election in. I hope the next will be
there; but if we might do as we would, it is astonishing how few
sterling men are to be found in so large a Province as this is. I am
not able to give my opinion of the Pamphlets you sent me, not
having had time to read them. I was late last evening settling the
list of Councillors; this morning I had many things to do, and then
to go to meeting. The Fast is observed here with a strictness and
devotion that shows the opinion the people have of the authority
that appointed it, as well as their reverence for him who overrules
all events, and has so signally appeared in our favour. /So few oc
currences have taken place since my last in the military way that
your curiosity will not be sufficiently satisfied with an account of
them. I will endeavour to recollect them all. The attempt on Long
Island,2 the taking off all the stock and afterwards returning to
burn the buildings (which you will have in the papers,) was cer
tainly a bold, intrepid manoeuvre, and as such astonished our
enemies. The barges full of armed men were afraid to attack our
whale boats, at a proper distance, and the armed vessels, either
agitated with fear, or destitute of judgment, did it without execu
tion. The next thing that took place, was the possessing and forti
fying a post by Brown's House, very near their lines. This has
been effected with the loss only of one man, and he not employed
there, tho' they worked in open sight of them, and exposed to an
incessant fire from their cannon, which our people treated with the
extremest contempt, not so much as once leaving their work, or
returning a shot. No general movements have taken place. There
was an appearance of it the day before yesterday on Roxbury side;
but they did not venture out. General Thomas, who as yet con
tinued in that command, made an excellent disposition to receive
them, and was disappointed. Roxbury is amazingly strong. I be
lieve it would puzzle 10,000 troops to go through it, I mean of the
best in the world. I am just told that our boats have this day been
I James Warren and James Freeman. 2 Adams, Familiar Letters, 80.
84 W^arren- Adams Letters [1775
to the Lighthouse and burnt it in spite of the firing from a man of
war and a number of boats. I hear it was executed by 300 Rhode
Islanders. I don't learn that they suffered any loss. It is said they
are more afraid of our whale boats than we are of their men of war.
A few armed vessels, I am abundantly convinced, would produce
great consequences. I want to see the Riflemen, and should be
pleased to see the Hussar at the head of his troop. You need not
fear our treating them with the utmost tenderness and affection.
There is a strong spirit of love and cordiality for our friends of the
other colonies prevailing here. The finger of Heaven seems to be in
every thing. I fear nothing now so much as the small Pox in our
army. (There is some danger of it,tho' I hope it will be stop'd),
and proposals of a conciliatory nature from England. The first
would be dreadful, but the last more so. I see the difficulties you
have to struggle against, and the mortification you are obliged to
submit to. I did not expect another petition. I hope however your
sentiments and plans will finally prevail. The infatuation of Brit
ain may supply the firmness of your brethren, and effect what their
timidity and ridiculous moderation would otherways prevent. If
the Canadians should relish an army of ours there, as I am told
they will, I think it would be a grand move. Captain Darby,1
who we sent with the account of the battle of the I9th of April, re
turned two days ago. He was there eight days, and came away
before Gage's packet arrived. He says trade and the stocks were
amazingly affected in that short time. Lord Dartmouth sent three
times for him. He refused to go, and when he threatened him he
decamped, got on board, and came without either entering or
clearing. I shall enclose you a letter bro't by him from Sheriff Lee,2
and one of the latest papers. By the letter I fancy General Gage
is to expect no other reinforcement this fall. They are very sickly,
and are greatly reduced. The Tories in Boston I believe are low
enough, are bowed down with the load of guilt they have by their
wickedness accumulated, and the apprehensions of what is to
1 John Derby. He arrived July 18, and set out at once for Philadelphia. He had sailed
from Salem April 29, and reached London May 29. General Harvey asked whether notice
should not be taken of this messenger of rebellion. Hutchinson, Diary and Letters, i . 461 , 464.
2 William Lee (1737-1795), a brother of Francis Lightfoot, Richard Henry and Arthur
Lee. See Ford, Letters of William Lee, in three volumes.
CAPTAIN JOHN DERBY
From a silhouette in the possession of Dr. Frederick Cheever Shattuck
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 85
come. I am concerned for your health in this hot season. Pray take
care of it. I have dispensed with attendance on public worship this
afternoon in order to write to you, having no other time. Colonel
Read 1 was kind enough to give me notice of this opportunity.
Pray present my best respects to all rny friends, among which I
presume to rank Mr. Hopkins and Ward. Your own goodness will
induce you to continue your favours. I shall lose no opportunity of
writing as long [as] you continue to be pleased with it. When you
are tired with my incorrect ramblings you will I hope very honestly
tell me of it. I shall think it not strange, and shan't think of resent
ment. I never write well. I am sure I can't here crowded with
business and surrounded with company. Your usual candour must
be called into exercise; it is greatly relied on. I am, as I believe I
shall be, your sincere friend
JAS. WARREN
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 23d, 1775
DR. SIR, — I have many things to write you which thro. Haste
and Confusion I fear, I shall forget.
Upon the Receipt of General Washington's Letter,2 the Motion
which I made Some Days before for appointing General Thomas
first Brigadier was renewed and carried, so that the return of the
Express will carry his Commission. I hope that this will give all
the satisfaction which is now to be given. You ask me upon what
Principle We proceeded in our first Arrangement. I answer upon
the Principle of an implicit Complyance with the order in which the
General officers were chosen in our Provincial Congress last Fall.
Not one of us would have voted for the Generals in the order in
which the General Officers were chosen in our Provincial Congress
1 Joseph Reed.
2 "General Thomas is much esteemed and earnestly desired to continue in the service:
and as far as my opportunities have enabled me to judge I must join in the general opinion
that he is an able good officer and his resignation would be a public loss. The postponing
him to Pomroy and Heath, whom he has commanded, would make his continuance very
difficult, and probably operate on his mind." Washington to the Continental Congress,
July 10, 1775. Writings (Ford), in. 15. Congress appointed Thomas "in room of General
Pomeroy, who rtever acted under the commission sent him," July 19. Journals of the
Continental Congress, n. 191.
86 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
last Fall; Not one of us, would have voted for the Generals in the
order in which they were placed, if We had not thought that you
had settled the Rank of every one of them last Fall in Provincial
Congress and that We were not at Liberty to make any Alteration.
I would not have been so shackled however, if my Colleagues
had been of my Mind.
But, in the Case of the Connecticutt officers, We took a Liberty
to alter the Rank established by the Colony and by that Means
made much Uneasiness; so that We were sure to do Mischief
whether We conformed or deviated from Colony arrangements.
I rejoice that Thomas had more Wisdom than Spencer 1 or
Woorster, and that he did not leave the Camp nor talk impru
dently. If he had we should have lost him from the Continental
service; for I assure you, Spencer by going off, and Woorster by
unguarded Speeches have given high offence here, it will cost us
Pains to prevent their being discarded from the service of the Con
tinent with Indignation. Gentlemen here had no private Friend
ships Connections, or Interests which prompted them to vote for
the arrangement they made but were influenced only by a Regard
to the Service; and they are determined that their Commissions
shall not be despised.
I have read of Times, either in History or Romance, when Great
Generals would cheerfully serve their Country, as Captains or
Lieutenants of Single Companies, if the Voice of their Country
happened not to destine them to an higher Rank; but such exalted
Ideas of public Virtue seem to be lost out of the World. Enough of
this.
I have laboured with my Colleagues to agree upon proper Per
sons to recommend for a Quarter Master General, a Commissary
of Musters and a Commissary of Artillery 2 — but in vain. The
Consequence has been that the appointment of these important,
and lucrative officers is left to the General, against every proper
Rule and Principle, as these offices are Checks upon his. This is a
great Misfortune to our Colony; however, I hope that you and
1 Spencer refused at first to serve under Putnam, but later consented to the arrangement.
2 Thomas Mifflin was appointed Quartermaster-General August 14, 1775; Ezekiel
Cheever, Commissary of Artillery Stores, August 17.
1775] Warren-Adams Letters
others, will think of proper Persons and recommend them to the
General.
There is, my Friend, in our Colony a great Number of Persons
well qualified for Places in the Army, who have lost their all, by the
outrages of Tyranny, whom I wish to hear provided for. Many of
them will occur to you. I beg leave to mention a few. Henry Knox,
William Bant1 young Hichbourne the Lawyer2 William Tudor,
and Perez Morton.3 These are young Gentlemen of Education
and Accomplishments, in civil Life, as well as good Soldiers; and
if at this Time initiated into the service of their Country might
become in Time and with Experience able officers, if they could be
made Captains or Brigade Majors, or put into some little Places at
present I am very sure their Country would loose nothing by it, in
Reputation or otherwise. A certain Delicacy which is necessary
to a good Character may have prevented their making any ap
plications, but I know they are desirous of serving.
I must enjoin Secrecy upon you, in as strong Terms as Mr.
Hutchinson used to his confidential Correspondents; and then
confess to you that I never was since my Birth, so compleatly
miserable as I have been since the Tenth of April. Bad Health, n
blind eyes, want of Intelligence from our Colony, and aboveji[Lthe
unfortunate and fatal Divisions, in our own Seat in Congress,
which have lost us Reputation, as well as many great Advantages
which We might otherwise have obtained for our Colony have
made me often envy the active Hero in the Field, who, if he does
his own Duty, is sure of Applause, tho he falls in the Execution
of it.
It is a vast and complicated System of Business which We have
gone through, and We were all of us unexperienced in it. Many
Things may be wrong, but no small Proportion of these are to be
attributed to the Want of Concert and Union among the Mass.
Delegates.
We have passed a Resolution that each Colony make such Pro
vision as it thinks proper and can afford, for defending their Trade
1 One of the name was a member of an independent Company formed at Boston, in 1776.
2 Benjamin Hichborn, who was taken by the British on his return from Philadelphia,
and whose experiences are related by Dr. Belknap in I Proceedings, iv. 79.
3 (1751-1837).
88 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
in Harbours Rivers, and on the Sea Coast, against Cutters and
Tenders.1 We have had in Contemplation a Resolution to invite
all Nations to bring their Commodities to Market here,2 and like
Fools have lost it for the present. This is a great Idea. What shall
we do? Shall we invite all Nations to come with their Luxuries, as
well as Conveniences and Necessaries? or shall We think of con
fining our Trade with them to our own Bottoms, which alone can
lay a Foundation for great Wealth and naval Power? Pray think
of it.
I rejoice that the Generals and Coll. Reed and Major Mifflin
are so well received. My most respectfull Compliments to them
all.
I thank you and Mrs. Warren a thousand Times for her kind
and elegant Letter. Intreat a Continuance of her Favours in this
Way, to your old Friend
[No signature.} 3
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN 4
PHILADELPHIA, July 24th, 1775
DEAR SIR, — In Confidence. I am determined to write freely to
you this time. A certain great Fortune and piddling Genius, whose
Fame has been trumpeted so loudly, has given a silly Cast to our
whole Doings.5 We are between Hawk and Buzzard. We ought
to have had in our Hands a month ago the whole Legislative, ex
ecutive and judicial of the whole Continent, and have completely
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 189.
2 Ib., 200. On the following day, July 22, the question was "postponed to be taken up
at some future day."
3 Endorsed "Favored by Mr. Hitchbourne."
4 This is taken from a copy of the letter, in an unidentified writing, in the Warren
papers. This copy also gives the letter from John Adams to his wife, taken like the other
from Hichborn, and the facetious paragraph from Benjamin Harrison's letter to Washing
ton which has given rise to so much gossip since, and which Jared Sparks omitted in his
Correspondence of the Revolution. The two Adams letters are given in Works of John Adams,
n. 41 1 n. with an explanation of the entrusting them to Hichborn. The letters were printed
in Draper's Massachusetts Gazette, August 17, 1775, and while the text now given differs
from that used in the Works, it does not differ materially. In a letter from Hannah Win-
throp to Mercy Warren, September 30, 1775, she wrote: "I have taken pains to procure
the Letters for you, but have not been able. As for the Versification, it was in a hand Bill,
and so scurrilous as not to be worth notice." No copy has been found.
5 John Dickinson, a conservative in this Congress.
Tf^arren- Adams Letters 89
modeled a Constitution; to have raised a naval Power, and opened
all our Ports wide; to have arrested every Friend to Government
on the Continent and held them as Hostages for the poor Victims
in Boston, and then opened the Door as wide as possible for Peace
and Reconciliation. After this they might have petitioned, and
negotiated, and addressed etc. if they would. Is all this extrava
gant? Is it wild? Is it not the soundest Policy?
One Piece of News, Seven thousand Weight of Powder arrived
here last Night. We shall send some along as soon as we can, but
you must be patient and frugal.
We are lost in the Extensiveness of our Field of Business.
We have a Continental Treasury to establish, a Paymaster to
choose and a Committee of Correspondence or Safety, or Ac
counts, or something, I know not what, that has confounded Us
all Day.
Shall I hail you Speaker of the House or Counsellor or what?
What kind of an Election had you? What sort of Magistrates do
you intend to make?
Will your new Legislative and executive feel bold or irresolute?
Will your Judicial hang and whip and fine and imprison without
scruples? I want to see our distress'd Country once more — yet
I dread the Sight of Devastation.
You observe in your Letter the Oddity of a great Man.1 He is
a queer Creature. But you must love his Dogs if you love him, and
forgive a thousand whims for the Sake, of the Soldier and the
Scholar.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., July 24, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I am exceedingly obligd to you for your Letter
of the 9th of July. It affords me very great Satisfaction to be in-
formd by you, that "no Suspicions, no Uneasiness at all prevails
with Regard to our old Generals." 2 I assure you I have been
otherwise informd since I received your Letter. Indeed I do not
always rely much upon the Information we have, being often
I Charles Lee. 2 Adams, Familiar Letters, 89.
go TVarr en- Adams Letters [1775
obligd even to the Citizens for the Intelligence they are pleasd to
give us of the State of our Army, the Character of our officers and
the Scituation of our oppressd Friends in Boston. However ill a
Choice was made of Delegates for the Continental Congress by
our Colony it would certainly have been good Policy, to have as
far as possible supported their Reputation and given them some
Degree of Weight by putting it in their Power at least to ascertain
Matters of Fact within their own Colony. But I am disposd to
make Allowance for the Multiplicity of Affairs you must attend to,
and will cease to complain lest I should charge our Friends fool
ishly. I have many things to say to you. I expect we shall soon
make a short Adjournment.1 If so, I shall then have the Opportunity
of seeing you. In the meantime I have one favor to ask of you. I
have an only Son, for whom my Anxiety is great. He was edu
cated at Harvard College and afterwards was Pupil to our worthy
deceased Friend Dr. Warren. Warren spoke well of this young
Fellow as being capable in his Business. If he is not already pro
vided for as a Surgeon in the Army, I shall be much obligd to you
if you will use your Influence for his Promotion as far as he shall
appear to have merit. I am your Friend,
S. ADAMS
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
July 26, 1775
DEAR SIR, — I can never Sufficiently regret that this Congress
have acted so much out of Character as to leave the Appointment
of the Quarter Master General, Commissary of Musters and Com
missary of Artillery to the General; As these officers are Checks
upon the General, and he a Check upon them, there ought not to
be too much Connection between them. They ought not to be
under any dependance upon him or so great obligations of Grati
tude as those of a Creature to the Creator.
i "The arduous Business that has been before the Congress and the close Application
of the Members, added to the necessity and importance of their visiting their several
Colonies and attending their respective Conventions, have induced them to make a recess
during the sultry Month of August." Samuel Adams to his Wife, July 30, 1775. Writings,
in. 221. See also, Adams, Familiar Letters, 90.
^775] Warren-Adams Letters gi
We have another office of vast Importance to fill, I mean that
of Paymaster General; and if it is not filled with a Gentleman,
whose Family, Fortune, Education, Abilities and Integrity, are
equal to its Dignity, and whose long Services in the great Cause of
America have abundantly merited it, it shall not be my Fault.
However I can't foretell with Certainty whether I shall be so for
tunate as to succeed.
I see by Edes's last Paper that Pidgeon 1 has been Commissary
for the Mass. Forces and Joseph Pearce Palmer,2 Quarter Master
General. No Body was kind enough to notify me of these appoint
ments or any other.
We shall establish a Post office,3 and do what We can to make
salt Petre and to obtain Powder.4 By the Way about Six Tons have
arrived here within 3 days and every Barrell of it, is ordered to
you.
I want a great deal of Information. I want to know more pre
cisely than I do the Duties and necessary Qualifications of the
officers — the Quarter Master, Commissary of Stores and Pro
visions, the Commissary of Musters and the Commissary of Ar
tillery, as well as the Paymaster General, the Adjutant General,
the Aid de Camps, the Brigade Majors, the Secretaries, etc.
I want to know more exactly the Characters and [bio]graphy of
the officers in the Army. I want to be precisely informed when and
where, and in what Station, General Ward has served, General
Thomas, the two Fry's,5 Whitcomb,6 etc., and what Colonells We
have in the Army and their Characters.
I am distressed to know what Engineers you have, and what is
become of Gridly 7 and Burbank,8 what service they have seen and
what are their Qualifications. Yours, etc.
[No signature.]
1 John Pigeon. He had been the Commissary General of the Massachusetts forces cer
tainly since April. I Proceedings, xv. 92.
2 (1751-1829). 3 Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 208. 4 /£., 218.
5 James Frye (1709-1766) and Joseph Frye (1711-1794). They were cousins, and had
served in the expedition against Louisburg.
6 John Whitcomb (c. 1720-1812). 7 Richard Gridley (1711-1796).
8 Silas Burbank, of Scarborough?
92 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
July 26, 1775
DR. SIR, — I shall make you sick at the Sight of a Letter from
me.
I find by Edes's Paper that Joseph Pearse Palmer is Quarter
Master General. I confess I was surprized.
This office is of high Rank and vast Importance. The Deputy
Quarter Master General whom we have appointed for the New
York Department, is a Mr. Donald Campbell,1 an old regular
officer, whom We have given the Rank of Collonell. The Quarter
Master General cannot hold a lower Rank perhaps than a Briga
dier.
Mr. Palmer is a young Gentleman of real Merit and good Ac
complishments; but I should not have thought of a less Man than
Major General Fry for the Place. It requires an able experienced
officer. He goes with the Army and views the Ground and marks
out the Encampment, etc., besides other very momentous Duties.
I have written to Mr. Palmer, and informed him that the
Appointment of this Officer is left with the General.
My dear Friend, it is at this critical Time of great Importance
to our Province, that We take Care to promote none to Places but
such as will give them Dignity and Reputation. If We are not very
solicitous about this We shall injure our Cause with the other
Colonies. Yours,
[No signature.]
I hope before another Year We shall become more familiarly
acquainted with this great piece of Machinery an Army.
We have voted three Millions of Dollars. Six Tons of Powder
are arrived and We have ordered every Pound of it to you.
12 o'clock, July 26, 1775. this Moment 130 full Blls making
Six Tons and an half of Powder is brought into the State House
yard in Six Waggons — to be sent off to you.
I Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 186.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 93
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 1775.
DEAR SIR, — The Congress have this Day made an establishment
of an Hospital and appointed Dr. Church Director and Surgeon,
and have done themselves the Honour of unanimously appointing
the Honourable James Warren, Esqr. of Plymouth in the Massa
chusetts Bay, Paymaster General of the Army. The Salary of this
officer is one hundred Dollars per Month. It is an office of high
Honour and great Trust.
There is another Quantity of Powder arrived in New Jersey,
about 5000 Weight from So. Carolina, and it is said that an
other Boat has arrived in this River with about Six or Seven
Tons. It will be ordered to the Generals Washington and
Schuyler.
We have voted fifty Thousand Dollars, for Powder to be got
immediately — if possible.
I begun this Letter merely to mention to you a Number of
young Gentlemen bound to the Camp: Mr. George Lux, Son of a
particular Friend of my Friend Chase; Mr. Hopkins and Mr.
Smith, all of Baltimore in Maryland. Mr. Cary is with them, son
of Mr. Cary of Charlestown 1 — neither Father nor Son want
Letters. Your fast day Letter to me is worth its Weight in Gold.
I had by that Packett Letters from you, Dr. Cooper, Coll. Quincy
and Mrs. Adams, which were each of them worth 'all that I have
reed from others since I have been here.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHI LAD A., July 29, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I have received your favor of the 2Oth Instant
by Express. I observe that our new House of Representatives is
organized, and am exceedingly pleasd with the Choice they have
made of their Speaker. I find that two of the former Boston Mem-
i Richard Cary (1717-1790) and his son Richard (1747- ), an aid to Washington
in 1776.
94 Warren- Adams Letters
bers are left out.1 C — is kickd up Stairs,2 etc., etc. I have not
Leisure at present to write to you particularly. I expect soon to
see you. I must inform you that you were yesterday unanimously
chosen Paymaster General, with the pay of 100 Dollars per month,
if I do not misremember.
The Bearer hereof is a Maryland young Gentleman by the name
of Lux. His father is a Gentleman of Character as a Mercht. in
Baltimore who is a friend to American Liberty and I am informed
has shown Benevolence to the poor of my Native Town. I am
therefore bound in Gratitude to desire your Notice of him so far as
to recommend him to some of our military officers. He proposes
to joyn the Army. Excuse this unconnected Epistle and be assured
that I am your unfeigned friend,
SAML. ADAMS
Dr. Church is Director General and Chief Physician of the Hos
pital with the Power of appointing Surgeons, etc. I wish my Son
could get Employmt in the Army. He has lost his Friend under
whose care he was educated; Mr. Lux has several Companions
with him, young Gentlemen who are in quest of Laurels.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 3Oth, 1775
DEAR SIR, — For the Honour of the Massachusetts I have la
boured in Conjunction with my Brethren to get you chosen Pay
master General and Succeeded so well that the Choice was unani
mous! But whether We did you a Kindness or a Disservice I
know not. And whether you can attend it or will incline to attend
it, I know not. You will consider of it however.
Pray, who do you intend to make Secretary of the Province?3
Has not our Friend deserved it? Is he not fit for it? Has any other
Candidate So much Merit or so good Qualifications? I hope his
temporary Absence will not injure him.
1 Thomas Gushing, who had led the delegation in the Third Provincial Congress, and
Oliver Wendell.
2 Thomas Gushing, now chosen to the Council.
3 A Secretary was not appointed until August 28, when Samuel Adams was chosen to
the office.
1775] JVarren- Adams Letters 95
This Letter goes by my good Friend Mr. William Barrell a
worthy Bostonian transmuted into a worthy Philadelphian. But
whether you will grasp this Letter or the Hand that writes it first
Is uncertain, both about the same Time I hope.1
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, July 31, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure of your favours of the 23d.
instant yesterday. I am glad to find that you have appointed
Thomas the first brigadier. This I think will satisfy both him and
the army. I have been obliged to take pains to keep him in the
camp. He seldom talks imprudently, and I believe has never done
it on this occasion. Spencer is a man I have no knowledge of. He
left the camp on the first hearing of the arrangement with resent
ment. He has since returned, and I am told behaves very well.
I am convinced of the necessity of supporting your own dignity,
and the importance of your commissions. If you suffer them to be
despised they will soon depreciate, and become of little value.
While Thomas talked of leaving the camp I must do him the jus
tice to say he exhibited a degree of the virtue you admire. He said
he would soon return, and serve as a volunteer. I have lately felt
great uneasiness on your account. Your want of health, and the
disorder in your eyes yet continuing at a time when you are en
gaged in such a variety of great and complicated business, I should
think sufficient, without external embarrassments, and the pain
you must feel from dissentions which injure the general interest
of the whole, and that of your Colony in particular. It seems to
be the misfortune of every man of enlarged ideas and extended
views, of integrity and disinterested virtue, to be plagued with
either the narrow, contracted notions, or interested designs of
those he is connected with in public life. This is exactly your case.
I have been sensible of it a good while, and have a more perfect
idea of it than I can express. The hint you give of inviting all
nations to trade with us is indeed a grand idea, and I can easily
I Only a fragment of a second leaf of this letter remains.
96 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
conceive how bitterly you regret the loss of it. Such a step would
have been worthy of such a body. It would have been in the true
stile of a Sully, and have produced mighty consequences. I can
easily conceive also the narrow principles that operated against
and finally destroyed them. The two questions you ask, to what
articles the trade should extend, and what bottoms it should be
carried on upon, require a nice determination. Perhaps it would
not answer our immediate purposes so well by being confined to
our own bottoms, but if it be not, and we should finally be de
tached from Britain, we might have some difficulty in mak
ing an alteration so advantageous to ourselves in gaining great
wealth and naval power. I hope to hear you viva voce on this
subject.
After a most profound tranquility for a state of war, several
skirmishes of some consequence took place last night. The regu
lars had advanced a little without Charlestown Neck, which gave
umbrage to our troops. Some firings happened. In the night,
which was dark, a number of the Riflemen got within their outer
guards, and but for an unlucky circumstance (they happened at
that instant to be relieving their guards) had brought off their
main guard intire. However, a smart action ensued. They
brought off two or three of them, and several arms, and killed sev
eral of their men. One of ours was taken by them, supposed to
have lost his way. About the same time, the regulars, about sixty
of them, pushed out suddenly on Boston Neck, drove back a few
of our centinels, and by the negligence of our main guard, and the
cowardice of the captain l burnt the George Tavern, and retired
without loss. This is esteemed the greatest disgrace we have suf
fered. The most capital action was at the light house. You will
recollect that we burnt it some time ago. They had for some time
been very industrious in rebuilding it, and had it in such forward
ness as actually to shew a light on Saturday night. About twenty-
five whale boats and two hundred men, commanded by Major
Tupper, set off last night, and arrived about daylight, attacked
I Captain Christopher Gardner, of Colonel Varnum's regiment. He was tried by court
martial for deserting his post, and unanimously sentenced to be cashiered, "as incapable
of serving his country in any military capacity." i Proceedings, xv. 135, 136.
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 97
the guard and workmen, and one small tender soon carried it,
after killing two or three, and wounding four or five more. They
took all the rest, burnt and destroyed the light house, took thirty
six prisoners, and all their arms. Among the prisoners are four
Marshfield Tories, and three or four others. The rest are marines
and soldiers. One of the Whites of Marshfield is wounded, it is
said mortally.1
August 2. I went yesterday for the first time this session to wait
on the General. I had rather delayed it, as you had mentioned me
to him as a person he might consult with, to see if he had any occa
sion to call on me. However, out of respect to him, and to see if
I could serve the persons you recommend, I went. I find the Col
ony, as you predicted, will suffer by referring the appointments you
mention to him. They will, I think, go to the southward. I am
amazed that the impropriety of his appointing was not sufficient
to determine every one of your body, and I should have thought
both considerations would have clearly determined your breth
ren. He has not yet made the appointments. When I was coming
off, I took the freedom to mention the sufferings and abilities of a
number of gentlemen, and to ask the liberty to mention them, if
he had any occasion for them even in places of no great impor
tance. He said there were many gentlemen that had come some
hundred miles, and as we had so large a share of the places, they
must be provided for, and that we had among ourselves in effect
the power of supplying all vacancies in the army, which is true,
but won't aid our friends. Ever since the action on Sunday eve
ning there has been a continual firing with cannon or small arms.
The Riflemen have killed several of them, and among the rest an
officer, who one of them shot from his horse yesterday at a distance
of two hundred and fifty yards. The prisoners taken at the light
house were yesterday carried through this town in their way to
the gaols in the upper counties. Our Assembly are drudging on in
the old way, shackled with forms and plagued with the concurrence
and consent of several branches. A question was started and
warmly contested whether our Constitution consisted of two or
three branches, and was determined in favour of the latter, rather
I I Proceedings, xn. 196 ; Adams, Familiar Letters, 92.
g 8 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
from a supposition that it was your design than from the express
words of your resolve. It was but last evening I heard of this
opportunity and have not time to say many things I could wish
for. I expect the express, and must be ready. The General was
kind enough to direct he should call.
You will remember that our army, I mean our forces are inlisted
only to the last of December. We must perhaps have a winter as
well as summer campaign. I am well informed that Newfound
land is supplied with provisions from New York. A late instance.
A vessel arrived there from [New] York, cleared out for the West
Indies. This may be worth enquiring into. You mention nothing
of an adjournment; from others we are made to expect it, and to
suppose you are on your way home. Your good lady and family
were well a few days ago. I sent a letter to the care of Major
Mifflin some days ago for you, perhaps from Mrs. Adams. It was
sent to me, and so directed. He promised good care of it. Mr.
Adams' son is provided for in the manner he wishes. Pray make
my regards to him. Nothing but want of time prevents my writing
to him. Please to give my regards to Mr. Paine. I acknowledge
the receipt of a letter from him. Shall write him per first oppor
tunity. I am your sincere friend
J. W.
A treaty has subsisted for some time between the Selectmen of
Boston and Gage, relative to the poor. Application was made to
us. We provided for them at Salem, and insisted on having the
donations with them. They are on their way there, but without
the donations. Last Friday he took a sudden resolution to suffer
the inhabitants to come out. A number of them landed at Chel
sea. The General advised us of it. My apprehension of the small
pox, etc., sent a committee there on Sunday. Many persons have
come out. All agree in their account of the distresses of the inhab
itants and soldiery, that they are very sickly, and many of them
dye. It is said that not less than 1800 of the troops are unfit for
service. John Brown is out, and was here yesterday. He says
Gage has determined to detain about thirteen until one Jones l
i Josiah Jones.
1775] W^arren- Adams Letters 99
and Hicks,1 now in Concord gaol, shall be sent in. Among which
are Boylston 2 and John Gill. What is to be done, can't say. Have
just received a letter from Mrs. Adams which I enclose.
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO JAMES WARREN
SIR, — I should be very glad to procure Mr. Hitchbourne's Re
lease agreeable to your Favour of yesterday if I could think of any
Mode in which it was practicable. To propose it on any other
Footing than an Exchange would I fear expose the Application to
Contempt. As I observe he is included in the Note delivered me
this Morning by a Committee from the General Court. I appre
hend it had best be left on that Footing and is most likely to be
successful.
It is very surprizing if the Letters intercepted are of Conse
quence that these Gentlemen should act so imprudent a Part.
If their suffering only affected themselves I should not think it
improper that they should feel a little for their Misconduct or
Negligence.
I am with much Truth and Regard, Sir, your most Obedt and
very Hbble Servt,
[GEORGE WASHINGTON] 3
Camp at Cambridge, Head Quarters, Augt 6, 1775.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, August 9th, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I have very accidentally heard of this opportu
nity by Mr. Brown, and have so short notice of it that I can do little
more than acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 26th
July, which I received the day before yesterday. When my mind
was tortured with anxiety and distress, the arrival of powder in
this manner is certainly as wonderful an interposition of Provi
dence in our favour, as used to take place in favour of the Jews
1 John Hicks, printer of the Boston Post-Boy.
2 Thomas Boylston, a merchant of Boston.
3 The signature has been cut out of the letter and the body of the paper is in the hand
writing of Joseph Reed.
ioo Warren-Adams Letters [1775
in the days of Moses and Joshua. We have very little news here.
No remarkable military events have taken place in the army here.
In short the General has been obliged from principles of frugality
to restrain his Riflemen. While they were permitted liberty to fire
on the enemy, a great number of the army would go and fire away
great quantity of ammunition to no purpose. Four captains and
a subaltern were killed the beginning of last week chiefly by the
Riflemen, and I am persuaded they will do great execution. There
was but one company of them here last week. On Sunday a very
fine company came in from Virginia. Yesterday morning went
through this town three companies more; as many are expected
this morning. I never saw finer fellows. What a view does this
and the concourse of gentlemen from all the Colonies give us of
Bernard's and Hutchinson's small faction. Last evening arrived
here a gentleman from Machias, with an account of their having
taken two other tenders, so that they now have five prizes, three
tenders and two sloops taken from Jones. Twenty-eight prison
ers are on the road, and will be here this day, among whom is
old Ichabod Jones.1 The rest are lieutenants of men of war, mid
shipmen and seamen. Five sloops after wood and fresh provisions
are taken by Cargill and others, and carried into Penobscot. This
is doing great service. They are reduced to great straits for wood
as well as fresh provisions in Boston. It is said it would fetch three
guineas a cord. They have already burnt all the fences, etc. All
accounts from Boston agree that they are dismantling the Castle,
and intend to destroy the works there; which, with other circum
stances, induce many to suppose they have an intention to leave
the town. Many people have lately come out. He has restricted
them to £5 sterling in money, a small matter of furniture, and
absolutely forbid them bringing out plate. What the policy should
be, unless he designs to plunder, destroy, and then leave, we can't
devise. Boylston, John Gill, Lovel, the Selectmen, etc., to the
number of thirteen, are kept, it is said till Jones and Hicks, two
insignificant prisoners we have in Concord gaol, are suffered to go
into Boston. We have resolved they shall go. The General has
I Of Machias. See Journals of the Provincial Congress (Mass.), 395 n., 399. He after
wards fled to the British. Journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), 1775, 88.
Warren- Adams Letters 101
sent in the resolve by a trumpet.1 We have no answer yet, tho'
that was done last Sunday. I am very sorry I should omit any
information you had occasion for. It is not wholly and only negli
gence. Such has been the confusion here that it was difficult to
ascertain who held many of the offices. This was the case with
young Palmer. I often asked, and never was satisfactorily re
solved whether he was Quartermaster General or his Deputy. He
was however the first, and still acts as such in the Massachusetts
forces, and has expectations of being appointed by the General.
I can't learn that any of those appointments you so justly regret
to have referred to other hands than your own are yet made. As
to Pigeon, I knew he was a commissary, but his temper is so petu
lant, that he has been desirous of quitting for some time, and, in
deed, I have wished it. I am taking pains to give you the informa
tion you want of the biography of the officers in the army, etc. I
have applied to General Thomas and one other General for that
purpose. As for engineers, I wish we were in a better way. G[rid-
le]y is grown old, is much governed by a son of his, who vainly
supposed he had a right to the second place in the regiment, that
is before Burbank and Mason. The Congress thought otherways;
he was sulky. We had much trouble with them, and I understand
the General has his share yet. . . .
We have a short adjournment in contemplation, and expect it
the latter end of this week. You will hear of the accident which
befel the letters sent by Hitchborne. He very injudiciously kept
them, when he had all the opportunity he could wish to destroy
them. I wish to hear whether the letter to me was from you or
Mr. S. Adams. I lost the pleasure of it, and they boast of great
discoveries made from that and the two letters to General Wash
ington. . . .
J. WARREN
Many of the Tories are preparing to leave Boston. Sewall and
family, and some others, are going home, and some know not
where to go. I believe they are almost ready to call on the rocks
and mountains to cover them. . . .
I Journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), i?7S, 32, 47.
102 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN
ANDOVER, Aug. 17, 1775.
DEAR MRS. WARREN, THE FRIEND AND SISTER OF MY HEART^ -
What a great Consolation is it that tho the restless ambition and
unbounded Avarice and wicked machinations of some Original
Characters have deprivd us of many of the pleasures of life yet are
they not able to take from us the heartfelt Satisfaction of mutual
affection and Friendly Converse. Your Favor Truly Delineates
human nature in a disagreeable light. The Contrast is very strik
ing! What have we to expect from such Vitiated Persons as you
present to view in the British Generals. I hope their Wicked
inclinations will be restraind. I am Charmed with the Portrait
you give of General Washington. Must not we expect Success
under the direction of so much goodness. But my heart Bleeds for
the people of Boston, my Blood boils with resentment at the Treat
ment they have met with from Gage. Can anything equal his
Barbarity. Turning the poor out of Town without any Support,
those persons who were possessd of any means of Support stopd
and Searchd, not sufferd to carry anything with them. Can any
thing equal the distress of parents Seperated from their Children,
the tender husband detaind in Cruel Captivity from the Wife of
his Bosom, she torn with anxiety in fearfull looking for and expec
tation of Vengeance from the obdurate heart of a Tyrant sup
ported by wicked advisers. Can a Merciful Heaven look on these
things and not interpose. Is there not a day of retribution at
hand! Should these things continue what a horrid Prospect
would a Severe Winter afford and how many must fall a Sacrifice
to the unrelenting rigors of Cold and Want. Be ye clothd and be
ye warmd will be of little Efficacy to the trembling nakd limbs
or the hungry Soul of many a one who once livd in Affluence. I
believe human Nature never produced but one Parallel Tyrant,
Cesar Borgia, the Series of whose Cruelties will at any time make
human Nature Shudder. You kindly enquire after my Sister. I have
seen her but once since the Charlestown Conflagration. She is poorly
accomodated at Stoneham. I found her and my Brother Mason 1
i Thaddeus Mason (1706-1802), who married for his third wife Anne Fayerweather.
1 7 7 5l Warren- Adams Letters \ o 3
too much affected with their Loss. I really think their pros
pects peculiarly discouraging. He has been out of business for
a Twelvemonth past, a Large Family to provide for. He ad
vanced in life and losing his habitation by the hands of as barbar
ous an enemy as ever appeard on the theatre of life to torment
mankind. Where is the Historic page that can furnish us with
such Villainy. The Laying a whole town in ashes after repeated
promises that if they would protect their troops in their return
from Concord, it should have been the last place that should suffer
harm. How did they give shelter to the wounded expiring soldiers ;
their houses their beds were prepared to receive them, the women
readily engaged in pouring balm in to their wounds, making broths
and Cordials to support their exhausted spirits, for at that time
the Softer Sex had not been innured to trickling blood and gaping
wounds. Some of the unhappy Victims died. They gave up the
ghost Blessing the hands that gave relief, and now in return for their
kindness they take the first opportunity to make 500 householders
miserable involving many a poor widow and orphan in one com
mon ruin. Be astonished o heavens at this and let the inhabitants
/of America tremble to fall into the hands of such a merciless
foe.
But a more pleasing theme presents to me and I most Sincerely
rejoice in the Late Appointment of your dear Consort to an Hon
orable and I hope profitable employment. The Assiduity and
Fortitude with which he has Labord in the Fair field of Patriotic
Virtue thro much self denial and Toil I think merits very highly
of his Country and it must give pleasure to every Friend of Liberty
to see such Abilities and unabating Services meet with some recom-
pence before the Warfare is finished. May He long live a Blessing
to his Country and reap the fruits of his Labors in a quiet and
peaceable resting place. I now write from the Solitude of Andover
and tho reducd to humble life yet by no means is my firm per
suasion staggered in the glorious Cause we are Struggling in, the
Cause of Virtue truth and justice. Your Faith that the united
Efforts will be Blest with Success animates me. I catch a spark
of that heavenly Flame which invigorates your breast knowing
your Faith has a permanent Foundation and your acquaintance
104 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
with those in the Cabinet must enable you to form a better
Judgment than those who have not those advantages. After I
have made an apology for this Scrawl hope you will consent I
should finish it with my sincere regards to Coll. Warren. I sub
scribe your Ever Affectionate,
HANNAH WINTHROP
JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, Aug. [26], 1775
MADAM, — I have been the happiest Man these two Days past,
that I know of in the World. I have compared myself in my own
Mind, with all my Friends and I cannot believe any of them so
blest as myself.
In the first Place, Rest, you know, is Rapture to a weary Man
and I was quite weary enough to enjoy a State of Rest for a Day
or two in all its Perfection, accordingly I have Slept by the best
Computation, Sixteen Hours in the four and twenty.
In the next Place for the two last Days I have been entirely free
from the Persecution of the "Fidgets and Caprices, Vanity, Super
stition, and Irritability," which are Supposed by Some to assault
me, now and then both from within and without. This is rare
Felicity indeed.
Thirdly I have been allowed the Pleasure of rambling all alone,
through the Fields, Groves and Meadows, and over the lofty
Mountains, of peaceful happy Braintree, that wholesome Solitude
and Nurse of Sense,
Where Contemplation prunes her Ruffled Wings
And the free Soul looks down to pity kings.
Fourthly and lastly, I have enjoyed the Conversation of the
amiable Portia and her little prattling Brood of Children. This is
a Pleasure of which I can Say no more. Mrs. Warren can conceive
it; I cannot describe it.
Now taking all these Circumstances together neither Mr. Warren
nor Mr. [erased], nor Mr. any Body that I can recollect, has been
in a Situation equal to mine.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 105
These have been vexed with the Society of Statesmen and
Heroes; I have been disturbed with no such Animal. These have
been interrupted with Cares; I have banished all of them from my
Habitation from my Head and Heart. These have been wearied
with Business; I would have no Business but have been wholly
at Leisure. In short, I have some Idea now of the Happiness of
the Inhabitants of Arcadia, Paradise, and the Elisian Fields.
Why will the cruel Thought intrude itself? Is this to last only
untill Monday Morning four o'clock?1 Avaunt this gloomy
Thought, this impertinent Intruder; I wont Suffer myself to think
that it is ever to End untill the Moment arrives and then I must
endeavour to forget for a while, that I have ever been so happy.
I hope, Madam, I shall not be left to Stain this Paper with any
Thing concerning Politicks or War. I was determined to write
you before I went away and there is no other Subject in the whole
Compass of Art, Science, or Nature, upon which I could have
written one Line without diminishing my Happiness.
I wish you, Madam, a Speedy Return, with your worthy Part
ner, to your Family, and a Happiness there as exquisite as mine
has been here and much more lasting. Lam with unfeigned Es
teem and Affection your and Mr. Warren's Friend and humble
Servant,
JOHN ADAMS
Saturday Evening
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, Aug. 27, 1775
MY DEAR MRS. WARREN, — It was with pleasure I received
a line from my Friend to-day informing me of her better Health.
I was really anxious for her, more so on account of the Great mor
tality which prevails around us. I arrived at my own habitation
a fryday and found my family all well — a blessing which I hope
will be continued to me.
The peaceful tranquility of my own habitation was enhanced
to me by a few days absence, amidst a more Noisy and tumultuous
I The Continental Congress had adjourned to September 5.
io6 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
Scene than I Love — tho I injoyed many hours of pleasure in the
Society of my Friends.
I have not heard any of the allarms you mention, only the ar
tillery of the clouds which has been pretty heavey this afternoon
but produced us many refreshing Showers — in which I rejoice for
many reasons. My Friend will leave me tomorrow morning and
will have a much more agreeable journey for the rain. I find I am
obliged to summon all my patriotism to feel willing to part with
him again, you will readily believe me when I say that I make no
small sacrifice to the publick.
You write me that you have been to Head Quarters, and there
seen the Letters.1 Pray what did you think of them? Money must
be much plentier than provisions with Gage or he would not think
of setting so high a value upon them.
I shall send this by Mr. Adams who will call upon you as he has
alterd his mind with regard to going to Deadam. I shall be very
glad to see my Friend Next week, any week or any time she may
be assured of a hearty welcome from her affectionate,
PORTIA
MERCY WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, September 4, 1775
The ships which arrived last Fryday are from Halifax, with a
few potatoes and a little wood. The people there are in expecta
tion of an attack from a body of troops, which they hear are
to be sent down under the command of Preble,2 and are preparing
for defence. If they suffer such terrors from the name of a worn-
out American veteran what must be their apprehensions from
the active, vigorous, spirited heroes who are rising up from every
corner of the United Colonies to oppose the wicked system of
politicks which has long governed a corrupt court.
But I ask pardon for touching on war, politicks, or any thing
i The intercepted letters.
^ Jedidiah Preble, of Falmouth (Portland). A biographical sketch of him, with letters
and "fragments" of his "Diary" during the Revolution, are in Preble, Genealogical Sketch
of the First Three Generations of Prebles in America, 40.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 107
relative thereto, as I think you gave me a hint in yours not to
approach the verge of any thing so far beyond the line of my sex.
The worthy bearer1 of this will inform you of all the intelligence
stirring. Tranquility still reigns in the camp. We scarcely hear the
distant roar of cannon for twenty four hours past.
By a person from Boston last Saturday we learn they are build
ing a floating battery in town in order to bombard Prospect Hill.
What a contemptible figure do the arms of Britain make. . . .
MARCIA
Swift of Boston2 is really dead.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, September n, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I please myself with the probability that
before this you are safely arrived at Philadelphia, after having fine
weather for journeying. I hope you will not be disappointed in your
wishes with regard to the spirit and temper of the Congress. I
should have wrote you before, if I had been well; but from a cold
I took in the long storm we had here, have been much indisposed
since you left us. Am now much better. Nothing very material
has occurred. The military operations are much in the same way
as when you was last here. The works on Ploughed Hill are thought
to be impregnable. They fired at them and Roxbury till they
tired themselves, and have now in a manner ceased. We seldom
hear a cannon, tho' these natural effusions of resentment and dis
appointment now and then give us an instance, harmless enough,
for they never injure us. All seems to be in a tranquil state for a
war. The greatest difficulty seems to be to govern our own sol
diery; I may say the Riflemen only, for I hear of no other. Yester
day the General was obliged to order no less than twenty-four of
them under guard.3 They are the most disorderly part of the army,
if not alone so. I have not been at head quarters since Saturday,
but am told that for some crime one of them was ordered under
I Stephen Collins. 2 Samuel Swift, the lawyer?
3 September II a court martial was ordered to try these men, who were accused of
mutiny. Thirty-two were sentenced to pay twenty shillings each, and one was sentenced
to six days' imprisonment in addition to the fine. I Proceedings^ xv. 154.
io8 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
guard. An attempt was made by a number to rescue him. Upon
which they were also ordered to be put under guard; upon which
a whole company undertook to rescue them, and the General was
obliged to call out a large detachment from the Rhode Island
Troops to apprehend them, who though prepared for resistance,
thought proper to submit, and the ringleaders are now in custody.
I believe he will choose to make examples of them. I should, were
I in his place. We have in a few days past a great deal of foreign
news, and all seems to agree that both England and Ireland are
in great confusion. It is said the Irish Parliament have resolved
that no more troops, or provisions for troops, shall come from there
to America, and that several of the recruiting parties there have
been killed; that the whole kingdom is in an uproar, and in such
an opposition to administration as will intitle them equally with
the Americans to the character of rebels. The vessel that brings
this account has been stopped by the men of war at Rnode Island
in her way to Providence, and perhaps many other particulars
smothered. Callihorne1 is arrived at Boston, and several letters
have been received, and some of them sent out of Boston, giving
assurances that no more troops will be sent to America, and that
the dispute will be soon settled. Oliver Wendel 2 told me he had
seen one to that purpose from a man whose intelligence he could
depend on. Other letters I hear of, which say the people had obliged
the King to promise not only to send no other troops out but to
recall the fleet and army already here. If all this be true how sea
sonably will your last petition arrive to serve as a mantle to cover
the nakedness of the Ministry, and to screen them from the shame
of being forced to a retreat by the virtue of the Americans. Depend
on it, they will catch at it, like a hungry fish at a bait, and we must
be content with a harvest blasted with mildew, and cut before it
is ripe, and consequently of little value. Does no powder arrive?
I wish we may be able to give them at least one blast more that
they may leave us thoroughly impressed with a sense of American
bravery and prowess, if they do go. I know you won't fail to do
every thing in your power to furnish us. Money, if possible, grows
scarcer than powder. The last dollar, perhaps, will be gone to-
i Callanan? 2 (1733-1818). N.E. Hist. Gen. Register, i. 186.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 109
morrow, and then I expect we shall all be din'd with clamours and
complaints. We have enough of them already from the largeness
of the bills. 1200 men march this afternoon and to-morrow under
Colonel Arnold for Newbury Port, to embark for Kennebeck on
their way to Quebec. I wish they may not be intercepted in their
passage. Were I to conduct the matter I think I should march
them all the way by land. Two frigates and a number of schooners,
I am told, left Boston yesterday, probably to intercept them. A
few deserters came over to us, and several of our riflemen have
deserted to the enemy. A ship from Piscataqua for the West
Indies, owned by Mr. Langdon, was taken by the Lively, and has
been retaken by an armed vessel from Beverly, and carried into
Cape Anne. The prisoners were bro't to Head quarters on Satur
day. I don't find your friend P. Henry in the list of delegates from
Virginia. How does it happen? It gives me concern; you know I
have a great opinion of him.
Our Council are yet sitting, tho' they talk of an adjournment
tomorrow. They seem to have been very busy. I can hardly tell
you what has been done since you left us. Colonel Prescott, sheriff
of this county, Colonel Dwight, Worcester, Dr. Winthrop, Judge
of Probate, his son Reg'r Foster appointed for Worcester. No
appointments for the Superior Court; they seem as much at a loss
as ever. . . .
J- W.
Six regulars put off from Boston in a boat and were unable to
row back against the wind, which blew hard at N. W. this day.
They drifted on Dorchester, and were taken.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 17, 1775
DR SIR, — I have nothing in particular to write. Our most
gracious K — has given a fresh Proof of his Clemency in his An
swer to the City. But no more of Politicks at present. If this
Scratch of a Pen should fall into the Hands of the wiseacre Gage,
as long as I confine myself to Matrimony and Horsemanship, there
will be no Danger.
1 1 o Warren- Adams Letters [1775
Be it known to you then that two of the most unlikely Things,
within the whole Compass of Possibility, have really and actually
happened. The first is the suden Marriage of our President, whose
agreeable Lady honours us with her Presence and contributes
much to our good Humour as well as to the Happiness of the
President. So much for that.1
The next Thing is more wonderfull still.
You know the Aversion which your Secretary,2 has ever enter
tained to riding, on Horseback — he never would be persuaded to
mount a Horse. The last time we were here I often laboured to
persuade him, for the Sake of his Health but in vain. Soon after
we set out on the last Journey, I reflected that some Degree of
Skill and Dexterity in Horsemanship, was necessary to the Char
acter of a Statesman. It would take more Time and Paper than I
have to Spare to shew the Utility of Horsemanship to a Politician;
so I shall take this for granted. But I pointed out the particulars
to him, and likewise shewed him that Sociability would be greatly
promoted by his mounting one of my Horses.
On Saturday the second day of September, 1775, in the Town
of Grafton He was prevailed on to put my Servant with his, into
Harrison's Chaise and to mount upon my Horse, a very genteel
and easy little Creature. We were all disappointed and Surprised.
Instead of the Taylor riding to Brentford We beheld, an easy, gen
teel Figure upon the Horse, and a good deal of Spirit and Facility,
in the Management of the Horse, insomuch that We soon found our
Servants were making some disagreeable Comparisons, and since
our arrival here I am told that Fessenden (impudent Scoundrel)
reports that the Secretary rides fifty per cent better than your
Correspondent.
In this manner, We rode to Woodstock, where we put up for the
Sabbath. It was soon observed that the Secretary could not sit
so erect in his Chair as he had Sat upon his Horse, but Seemed to
be neither sensible of the Disease or the Remedy. I soon perceived
and apprised him of both. On Sunday Evening, at Mr. Dexter's,
1 The New England Chronicle, September 7, 1775, contains a notice of the marriage of
John Hancock to Dorothy Quincy, at the seat of Thaddeus Burr, in Fairfield, Connecticut.
2 Samuel Adams. See Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, n. 323.
1775] barren- A dams Letters \ \ i
where we drank Coffee and spent an agreeable evening I persuaded
him to purchase two yards of flannell, which we carried to our
Landlady, who, with the assistance of a Taylor Woman in the
House, made up a Pair of Drawers, which the next morning were
put on, and not only defended the Secretary from any further
Injury, but entirely healed the little Breach which had been
begun.
Still an Imperfection remained. Our Secretary had not yet
learned to mount and dismount. Two Servants were necessary to
attend upon these occasions, one to hold the Bridle and Stirrup, the
other to boost the Secretary. This was rather a ridiculous Circum
stance still. At last, I undertook to instruct him the necessary Art
of mounting. I had my Education to this Art, under Bates, the
celebrated Equerry, and therefore might be Supposed to be a
Master of it. I taught him, to grasp the Bridle with his Right
Hand over the Pummell of his Saddle, to place his left Foot firm
in the Stirrup; to twist his left Hand into the Horses Main, about
half Way between his Ears and his Shoulders, and then a vigorous
Exertion of his Strength would carry him very gracefully into the
Seat, without the least Danger of falling over on the other Side.
The Experiment was tryed and Succeeded to Admiration. Thus
equipped and instructed, our Horseman rode all the Way from
Woodstock to Philadelphia, Sometimes upon one of my Horses,
Sometimes on the other, and acquired fresh Strength, Courage,
Activity and Spirit every day. His Health is much improved by it,
and I value myself, very much upon the Merit of having probably
added Several years to a Life so important to his Country, by
the little Pains I took to persuade him to mount and teach him to
ride.
Sully and Cecil were both Horsemen and you know I would not
have our Americans, inferior to them in the Smallest Accomplish
ment.
Pray Mrs. Warren to write to me. I would to her, if I had half
so much Time.1
[No signature.}
i Endorsed "Favored by Mr. Andrew Cabot."
ii2 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Septr. 19, 1775
DEAR SIR, — I have but a Moment's Time to write and nothing
of Importance to say.
Mr. Randolph our former President is here and Sits very hum
bly in his Seat, while our new one continues in the Chair, without
Seeming to feel the Impropriety.1 Coll. Nelson,2 a Planter, Mr.
Wythe,3 a Lawyer and Mr. Francis Lightfoot Lee,4 a Planter, are
here from Virginia, instead of Henry, Pendleton 5 and Bland.6
Henry is General of Virginia — the other two are old and infirm.
I am well pleased that Virginia has Set the Example of changing
Members and I hope that Massachusetts will follow it, and all the
other Colonies. I should be glad upon a new Election to be re
lieved from this Service, this Climate does not agree with my Con
stitution So well as our own, and I am not very well fortified you
know against the Inclemencies of any.
This Congress, I assure you, feels the Spirit of War, more in
timately than they did before the Adjournment. They Set about
/ Preparations for it with Seriousness and in Earnest.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, September 19, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I had fixed a determination in my own
mind, to omit no opportunity of writing either to you, or my friend
Mr. S. Adams; but I have indeed so little to say at this time, that
I should have thought it hardly worth while to trouble you with a
letter had it not been to inclose one from Mrs. Adams who, with
the children, I had the pleasure yesterday to hear were recovered.
I have been much concerned about them. I presume the inclosed
1 May 24, Peyton Randolph, President, was under a necessity of returning to Virginia,
to take his place as Speaker of the House of Burgesses, and the Journals of the Congress
state "the chair was vacant." John Hancock was then unanimously chosen President.
Randolph never occupied the chair again, and died October 22, 1775.
2 Thomas Nelson (1738-1789). 3 George Wythe (1726-1806). 4 (1734-1797).
5 Edmund Pendleton (1721-1803). 6 Richard Bland (1710-1776).
1775] IV arren- Adams Letters 113
will give you the state of the family, and make it unnecessary for
me to add more. I have been here ever since you left us, without
once hearing from you. I wrote to you a week ago, and took pains
to collect every thing I could think of as new, foreign and domestic.
Your intelligence from abroad is so much better than ours at this
time that I expect no success in handing you our foreign news; and
of the domestic kind we have very little. We suffer extremely for
want of it. When we meet in the street we have not a word more
to say than to inquire after each other's health, or make an ob
servation on the weather. These are circumstances so different
from what we have been used to, that we are quite out of our ele
ment. Scarcely any one thing has happened since my last worthy
of your notice. We have frequent desertions to us, seldom two
nights without an instance of that kind; the night before last were
four or five sailors. By the best accounts given by gentlemen out
of town, the soldiery are dispirited by their confinement, their
want of supplies, and above all by their vast fatigue. They live in
continual horror of being attacked. Their guards are therefore
large, and must be numerous from the extensiveness of their works.
It is supposed that frequent shews of attacking them, would soon
wear them out. I mentioned this at Head-quarters yesterday.
I hope they will take that method to harrass them. A servant of
General Howe deserted about ten days ago. I heard him tell the
General that his master constantly set up till one o'clock, and then
slept till morning in his boots and cloaths. They seem to be mak
ing but little preparation for winter. It was reported that they
were pulling down the houses from the Haymarket to the forti
fication, in order to erect works to retreat to if they could not
hold those they now have. They really have begun to pull down
the houses; but it is generally thought to be only for fuel, of which
they are in great want, and they choose that place as the clearing
would be most convenient for new works, if they should have oc
casion for more. We have had scarce a gun fired for ten days be
fore Sunday morning, when a number of the Rebels 1 appearing
without their works on Boston Neck, our people fired four cannon
on them, which drove them in, killed two and wounded five of
1 It is under this term that Warren described the British.
ii4 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
their men, as we have learned by deserters. They returned a
smart fire without any success. And yesterday again Roxbury
side had a very heavy cannonade with as little, only one officer
very slightly wounded. This is indeed very remarkable, as our
people expose themselves without reserve, having been so enured
to shot and shells that do no execution, that they totally disregard
them. Cobble Hill is to be possessed and fortified this or tomorrow
night. Putnam is to be gratified with the command. This must
open a warm scene, and will furnish us abundantly with the musick
of cannon, and topicks of conversation. The constant expectation
I have had of receiving the money from Philadelphia has confined
me to this place, contrary to both my inclinations and interest,
supposing it would not do to be absent when it came. It is not yet
arrived. This delay is astonishing, and I fear will cause irreparable
injuries to the army. The soldiers that are not paid for the month
of August are very uneasy. The General can't fulfill his promise to
them. The Quarter master General and Commissary General are
both out of money, their credit suffering, and their provisions for
the army at a stand, and this at a time when the season is approach
ing that transportation from distant places will be difficult. Do
apologize to my friend Adams for my not writing to him. It is
really owing to the poverty of the times. I had no subject without
I had entered on metaphysics, mathematics, or some subjects
foreign from politics or news, which alone engage my attention.
I will, however, write him soon, subject or no subject. The Coun
cil adjourned for a week. The Assembly meets tomorrow. When
ever any thing occurs, you shall hear it, and [I] shall on my part
be glad to hear of your doings. I want to hear of high spirited
measures. It is in my opinion ridiculous to hesitate now about
taking up crown officers, and fifty other things. You won't lose
sight of powder and money. . . .
I forgot to tell you that they are exercising their wit, and divert
ing themselves in Boston by versifying the letters taken from
Hitchburne, as I hear. I have not been able to get sight of it.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 115
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Septr. 26, 1775
DR SIR, — This afternoon and not before I received a Line
from the excellent Marcia, which [is] the first and only Letter I
have received from the Family to which She belongs Since I left
Watertown. Be pleased to thank her for this Favour and to let
her know that She must certainly have misinterpreted Some Pas
sage in my Letter, Since I never thought either Politicks or War,
or any other Art or Science beyond the Line of her Sex: on the con
trary I have ever been convinced that Politicks and War, have in
every Age been influenced, and in many, guided and controuled
by her Sex. Sometimes it is to be feared by the unworthy Part of
it; but at others, it must be confessed by the amiable and the good.
But if I were of opinion that it was best for a general Rule that the
fair should be excused from the arduous Cares of War and State;
I should certainly think that Marcia and Portia, ought to be Ex
ceptions, because I have ever ascribed to those Ladies, a Share and
no Small one neither, in the Conduct of our American Affairs.
I have nothing new to communicate. Every Thing, has been
done, and is now doing, to procure the Unum Necessarium.1 I
wish I could give you a more agreable account of the Salt Petre
Works in this City. I fear they have chosen injudiciously a Place
for their Vatts Vaults and Buildings, a low marshy Place which
was lately overflowed by the Storm. Still We have Sanguine
Accounts of the Skill and Success of Some operators.
Coll. Dyer produces a Sample of excellent Salt Petre made by
two De Witts, one of Norwich the other of Windham, and he is
confident that they can and will make large Quantities. Coll.
Harrison of Virginia, whose taste in Madeira I know, and in girls
I believe,2 and in Salt Petre I hope, to be much Superiour to his
Judgment in Men, is very confident that they are making large
Quantities from Tobacco House Earth in his Colony.
We are hourly expecting Intelligence from Canada, as well as
Massachusetts, and from London.
1 Gunpowder.
2 A hit at a paragraph in the intercepted letter from Harrison to Washington.
n6 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
My dear Sir, Let me intreat you to do every Thing in your
Power to get ready the Accounts of all that our Province has done
and expended in the Common Cause, for which they expect or
hope to be reimbursed by the United Colonies. It has ever ap
peared to me a Thing of much Importance, that We should be fur
nished with those accounts as soon as possible. From present ap
pearances, our Session will not be long and if We should not be
furnished with the Necessary Papers very soon, We shall not be
able to obtain any Reimbursement this Fall; and the next Spring
We may be involved in So many Dangers as well as new Expences
as to render our Chance for obtaining Justice, more precarious.
You know that your Delegates have been here almost the whole
Time since the Commencement of Hostilities, and therefore can
say nothing of their own Knowledge concerning your Exertions
or Expences but must depend altogether upon Information from
the General Court.
This is really a Strong Reason for a Change in the Delegation.
We have been absent so long from our native Country as to be a
kind of Aliens and Strangers there. If it is good Policy to re-elect
one of the old Delegates, because he is personally knowing to what
has passed here; it is equally good Policy to elect Some new ones,
because they are Witnesses of what has passed with you. For my
own Part, as my political Existence terminates with the Year, I
sincerely wish to be exempt in the next Election. I long to be a
little with you in the General Court, that I may see and hear, and
feel with my Countrymen, and I ardently wish to be a little with
my Family and to attend a little to my private affairs. To be
frank and candid to a Friend, I begin to feel for my Family. To
leave all the Burthen of my private Cares, at a Time when my
affairs are in so much Perplexity, to an excellent Partner, gives
me Pain for her. To leave the Education of a young Family en
tirely to her, altho I know not where it could be better lodged,
gives me much Concern for her and them.
I have very little Property, you very well know, which I have
not earned myself by an obstinate Industry, in opposition to the
Malice of a very infirm Constitution, in Conjunction with the
more pernicious Malice of Ministerial and gubernatorial Enemies.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 117
Of the little Acquisitions I have made, five hundred Pounds Ster
ling is sunk in Boston in a Real Estate, four hundred Sterling
more is completely annihilated in a Library that is now wholly
useless to me and mine,1 and at least four hundred Sterling more is
wholly lost to me in Notes and Bonds, not one farthing of the
Principal or Interest of which can I obtain, and the Signers are
dying, breaking, flying every day.
It is now compleatly two years since my Business has been to
tally ruined by the public Confusions. I might modestly estimate
the Profits of my Business before this Period at three hundred ster
ling a Year, perhaps more. I think therefore I may fairly estimate
myself a sufferer immediately to the Amount of two Thousand
Pounds sterling. I have purchased Lands, which these Causes
have prevented me from paying for, and the Interest is running on
without a Possibility of my paying it and I am obliged to hire
Labour yearly upon my Farm to no small amount.
In the mean Time all that has been granted me by the general
Court for the sessions of this Congress last Fall and this Spring
has not defrayed my necessary Expences however strange it may
appear.
The Conclusion from all this is, that I am rushing rapidly into
Perplexities and Distresses in my private affairs from which I can
never extricate myself. By retreating from Public Life, in some
Measure I might preserve myself and Family from a Ruin, which
without it will be inevitable. I am willing to Sink with my Coun
try, but it ought not to be insisted on that I should sink myself
without any Prospect of contributing by that Means to make it
Swim. I have taken my Trick at Helm when it was not easy to get
Navigators who would run the Risque of the Storm. At present
the Course is plain whatever the Weather may be, and the pros
pect of that is much better than it was when I was called to assist
in steering the Ship.
[No signature.]
i What is left of the library, much increased during his diplomatic service, is in the
Public Library of the City of Boston. A catalogue was printed in 1917.
n8 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Septr. 26, 1775
MADAM, — Your Favour by my Friend Collins never reached
me till this Evening. At Newport, concluding to go by Water, he
put it into the Post Office least it Should meet with a Fate as unfor
tunate as Some others. I call them unfortunate after the manner of
Men. For, altho they went into Hands which were never thought
of by the Writer, and notwithstanding all the unmeaning Noise
that has been made about them, they have done a great deal of
good. Providence intended them for Instruments to promote
valuable Purposes, altho the Writer of them, thought so little of
them that he never could have recollected one Word in them, if
they had been lost. The most that I care about them, is the inde
cent Exposure of the Name of a Lady,1 who cannot be put to
Pain, without giving me Uneasiness by Sympathy.
I boasted, Madam, of my Happiness, in my last to you, because
I knew you could excuse the Appearance of Vanity and because I
knew very well that the Person who so deservedly holds the first
Place in your Heart, could Say by Experience, that an Happi
ness so perfect was not merely ideal. . . .
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Septr. 28, 1775
DR SIR, — I write at this Time only to remind you that I have
reed no Letters.
Let me intreat the earliest Attention of our Houses to the Ac-"\
counts and Vouchers of our Province. Accounts must be exact
and Vouchers genuine, or we shall suffer. The whole Attention of
every Member of both Houses would be not unprofitably em
ployed upon this Subject untill it is finished.
The accounts I mean are of Ammunition; such as Powder, Ball,
Cartridges, Artillery, Cannon Field Pieces, Carnages, Camp
Equipage, Cantins, Kettles, Spoons, etc., Tents, Canvas, etc., etc.,
i Mrs. Adams.
SM
6
*******
T775l IV arren- Adams Letters ng
etc., Provisions, Bread, Meat, Meal, Peas, everything in short.
In fine it is idle for me to enter [in]to detail. The Pay and Cloath-
ing of the Troops, etc., etc. But I must entreat to have these
Accounts and Vouchers. I do beseech that it may be remembered
that I was importunate on this Head with several Gentlemen,
when I was with you.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Septr. 30, 1775.
DR SIR, — Mr. Lynch, Coll. Harrison and Dr. Franklyn are pre
paring for a Journey to Watertown and Cambridge,1 one of whom
will do me the Favour of taking this Letter.
Mr. Lynch,2 you have seen before — he is an oppulent Planter
of Great Understanding and Integrity and the best Affections to
our Country and Cause.
Coll. Harrison 3 is of Virginia, and the Friend and Correspondent
of the General, but it seems by a certain Letter under some degree
of Prejudice against our dear New Englandmen. These Prejudices
however, have arisen from Misrepresentation and may be easily
removed.
Dr. Franklin needs nothing to be said. There is no abler or bet- I
ter American, that I know of. J
I could wish a particular Attention and Respect to all Three.
I know you will be pleased to be introduced to these Gentlemen,
because it will give you an Opportunity of serving your Country.
I am your Friend,
JOHN ADAMS
1 On the 29th, after spending most of the morning in debate on the motion, Congress
appointed a committee of three "to repair immediately to the camp at Cambridge," to
confer with General Washington, executives of the New England governments, and others,
"touching the most effectual method of continuing, supporting, and regulating a conti
nental army." On the next day a ballot was taken for members of the committee. Lynch
and Franklin were chosen, and' Harrison and Dyer had a tie vote. On a subsequent ballot
Harrison received a majority. Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 265, 266. Congress
began to consider the report of the committee November 4. Ib., 320.
2 Thomas Lynch (c. 1720-1776). 3 Benjamin Harrison (1740-1791).
120 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. i, 1775
DEAR SIR, — This morning I received your kind Favours of the
1 1 th and I9th Ult. — with the Inclosures. Draper's Paper is a great
Curiosity and you will oblig me by sending it as often as possible.
The foreign News you mention, is all a Delusion my Friend..
You may depend upon it, every Measure is preparing by the Min
istry to destroy Us if they can, and that a Scottish Nation is Sup
porting them.
Heaven helps those who help themselves, and I am happy to
find a Disposition so rapidly growing in America to exert itself.
The Letters, by your Packett from my Family, have given me
Serious Concern indeed. I am much at a Loss what Course to take.
I have thoughts of returning home. I fear, my dear Mrs. Adams's
Health will sink under the Burthen of Care that is upon her. I
might well enough be spared from this Place, where my Presence
is of no Consequence, and my Family might derive some advan
tage from my being there, and I might have an Opportunity of
attending a Conference between a Comtee of this Congress and the
Council of Mass., where perhaps I might be of more service than
I can [be] here. However I am not determined. My- Friend, your
Secretary 1 is very much averse to my going. I don't know what
to do.
The Comtee who are going to the Camp, are Dr. Franklin, Mr.
Lynch and Coll. Harrison, who I hope will be received with Friend
ship and Politeness, by all our Friends.
I assure you, Sir, there is a serious Spirit here. Such a Spirit as
I have not known before.
The Committee, by whom this Letter will go, are determined
Americans. I fear that two of them, I mean Mr. L and H. may
have received some unfavourable Impressions from Misrepresen
tations, concerning our Province; but these will be easily removed,
by what they will see and hear, I hope. I wish that every Civility
may be shewn them, which their Fortunes, Characters and Sta
tions demand.
I Samuel Adams.
T7?5] barren- Adams Letters 121
Our News from England, is, Troops from England, Scotland,
Ireland, and Hanover. Poor Old Britania! I am, your Friend,
JOHN ADAMS
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, October i, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — An event has lately taken place here which
makes much noise, and gives me much uneasiness, not only as it
affects the character, and may prove the ruin of a man who[m] I
used to have a tolerable opinion of, but as it may be the cause of
many suspicions and jealousies, and what is still worse, have a
tendency to discredit the recommendations of my friends at the
Congress. Dr. Church has been detected in a correspondence with
the Enemy, at least so far that a letter wrote by him in curious
cypher and directed to Major Cane l (who is an officer in the Rebel
army and one of Gage's family), has been intercepted. The his
tory of the whole matter is this. The Doctor, having formed an
infamous connection with an infamous hussey to the disgrace of
his own reputation, and probable ruin of his family, wrote this
letter last July, and sent it by her to Newport with orders to give
it to Wallace,2 or Dudley,3 to deliver to Wallace for conveyance
to Boston. She, not finding an opportunity very readily, trusted it
with a friend of hers to perform the orders, and came away and left
it in his hands. He kept it some time, and having some suspicions
of wickedness, had some qualms of conscience about executing his
commissions, after some time consulted his friend. One result was
to open the letter, which was done. The appearance of the letter
increasing their suspicions, the next question after determining
not to send it to Boston was, what should be done with it. After
various conferences at divers times, they concluded to deliver it
to General Washington. Accordingly the man came with it last
Thursday.4 After collecting many circumstances, the man was
1 Maurice Cane, lieutenant colonel in the Sixth Regiment.
2 James Wallace, commanding the ship Rose, stationed at Newport.
3 Charles Dudley, collector of the customs.
4 This person was named Godfrey Wainwood, an inhabitant of Newport. See Writings
of Washington (Ford), in. 163.
122 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
employed to draw from the girl, by using the confidence she had
in him, the whole secret, but without success. She is a subtle,
shrewd jade. She was then taken into custody and brought to the
General's quarters that night. It was not till the next day that
anything could be got from her. She then confessed that the
Doctor wrote and sent her with the letter as above. Upon this,
the General sent a note desiring Major Hawley 1 and me to come
immediately to Cambridge. We all thought the suspicion quite
sufficient to justify an arrest of him and his papers,2 which was
done, and he is now under a guard. He owns the writing and send
ing the letter, says it was for Flemming3 in answer to one he wrote
to him,4 and is calculated by magnifying the numbers of the army,
their regularity, their provisions and ammunition, etc., to do great
service to us. He declares his conduct tho' indiscreet was not
wicked. There are, however, many circumstances, new and old,
which time won't permit me to mention, that are much against
him. The letter, I suppose, is now decyphering, and when done will
either condemn, or in some measure excuse him.5 Thus much for
this long story.
A strong S.W. wind put into Marblehead last week a New Prov
idence man,6 with a large number of turtle, etc., etc. They
boarded, took and carryed him to Salem, and prevented the scoun
drels from enjoying and feasting on callipee, callipack,7 and a
desert of pine apples, etc. A few fisher men also have taken a
brigantine from Quebec with cattle, sheep, oatmeal, etc., a present
1 Joseph Hawley.
2 A confidant had been through Church's papers before Washington's agent reached
them.
3 "Brother" of Church. A letter to Colden in February, 1776, says "Fleming the
printer." This was John Fleming, partner of John Mein, printers and booksellers in
Boston.
4 This letter of Fleming is in Journal of the House of Representatives (Mass.), October
27, 1775-
5 In a short note of October 2nd Warren says: "I have just heard that the letter is de-
cyphered, and is much against the writer." Adams MSS. It was decyphered by West. The
text appeared in the New England Chronicle, January 4, 1776. A council of war was held
on October 3-4, a record of which is in the Washington Papers, Library of Congress. It
is printed in Journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), October 27, 1775.
6 Schooner Industry, Francis Butler, Master. Her invoice is given in Journals of the
House of Representatives (Mass.), 1775, 129.
7 Calipee is that part of turtle which is next the lower shell; calipash, that which is
next the upper shell — West Indian words, conjectured to have been from the Spanish
carapacho (carapace), itself of unknown origin.
i?75] Warren- Adams Letters 123
from the Tory merchants, etc., to the sick and wounded in Bos
ton, and some forage for the Light horse. She is carried in to Cape
Ann. There are two letters from one Gamble,1 an officer, one to
General Gage, the other to SherrifF,2 which tell them that they are
to expect no aid to Government from there; that Carleton dare
not issue his orders to the militia, supposing they could not be
obeyed; that the Canadians, poisoned from New England, had
got in use the damned abused word Liberty. I can't recollect the
time she sailed, her bills [of] lading dated September 5, but the
master says that Carlton has had no success in recruiting. He
went off the night he came away, for St. Johns, with about seventy
five raggamuffins, the whole posse he could collect; that there were
at Quebec 10,000 barrels powder. I long for them more than turtle
or pine apples. Arnold was last Monday with his detachment,
sixty miles up Kennebeck, every thing as it should be. We please
ourselves with fine prospects of success. I say nothing about St.
Johns, etc. presuming you know as much or more about it than I
do. The money arrived safe here last Fryday, and I assure you
gives a new face to our affairs, which by a greater delay must have
run into confusion.3 I thank you for your short letter; would have
thanked you more if it had been longer. . . .
Is it worth while to wonder that some people can't feel impro
prieties? However ambition and variety I think, must predomi
nate and mark strongly the character of a man who can act such a
part, if he has any sense at all. I am glad to find the Congress in
such a temper. . . .
I must write General Court news, and plans on foot for fixing
armed Vessels, animated by our late success. . . .
1 Captain Thomas Gamble, of the 47th Regiment.
2 William Sheriff.
3 Writing to Mrs. Adams on September 27th, Warren said: "I have been detained here
three weeks, expecting every minute the remainder of the money to be sent from Phila
delphia. The delay is unaccountable to every one here. We are all agreed that there is some
wickedness at the bottom, but know not where. It is suspected to be in one of the Treasur
ers, whose principles I am told would not recommend him to the place he holds." Adams
MSS. The two treasurers were Michael Hillegas and George Clymer. Journals of the
Continental Congress, n. 221.
124 W^arren-Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2, 1775
DR SIR, — I believe you will have a surfeit of Letters from me,
for they will be as inane as they are numerous.
The Bearer of this is Major Bayard 1 a Gentleman of this City,
of the Presbyterian Persuasion, of the best Character, and the
clearest affections for his Country. I have received so many Civ
ilities from him, that I could not refuse myself the Pleasure of in
troducing him to you.
Our Obligations of Secrecy are so braced up, that I must deny my
self the Pleasure of Writing Particulars. Not because some Letters
have been intercepted, for notwithstanding the Versification of
them, they have done good, tho they have made some People grin.
This I can Say with Confidence, that the Propriety and Neces
sity of the Plan of Politicks so hastily delineated in them is every
day, more and more confessed even by those Gentlemen who dis
approved it at the Time when they were written.
Be assured, I never Saw So Serious and determined a Spirit as
I see now every day.
The high Spirited Measures you call for will assuredly come.
Languid and disastrous Campaigns are agreeable to Nobody.
Young Mr. Lux desires his Compts. to you and your Lady. He
is vastly pleased with his Treatment both from you and her.
Remember me to her. I have Shocking Letters from her Friend at
Braintree, such as have put my Phylosophy to the Tryal. I wait
only for another Letter to determine whether I shall come home.2
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Octob. 3, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I take the Liberty of recommending to your
Notice Mr. Bayard, a worthy Inhabitant of this City, who with
his Friend Mr. Henry intends to make a Visit to the American
1 Colonel John Bayard? N.Y. Gen. and Biog. Record, xvi. 53.
2 This refers to the two letters of Mrs. Adams of September 8 and 16, in Familiar
Letters, 94, 96.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 125
Camp. They are both honest Whigs, and as such I am sure they
will be duly regarded by you.
This day Dr. Franklin setts off for Cambridge, being deputed
by the Congress in Conjunction with Mr. Lynch of South Carolina
and Coll. Harrison of Virginia to consult with the General and
some Gentlemen of the four New England Colonies, concerning
the most effectual Methods of continuing supporting and regulat
ing the Continental Army. This Embassy I conjecture will be
attended with great and good Consequences.
The Intelligence received by the July Packett, which arrivd at
New York a few days ago, has convincd some, who could not be
prevaild upon to believe it before, that it is folly to supplicate a
Tyrant, and that under God, our own virtuous Efforts must save
us. I hope, that our Troops will before long force their Way into
Boston. If such a Design should be in Contemplation I dare say
you will encourage it to the utmost of your Power.
Mr. Lynch is a Man of Sense and Virtue. Coll. Harrison's
Character may be drawn from his Confidential Letter publishd
not long ago in Madam Draper's Gazette. I hope these Gentle
men will be treated with all the Respect which is due to the publick
Character they sustain. I mentiond to my valuable friend Coll.
Lee 1 (Brother of my trusty Correspondent Dr. Lee 2 of London)
his going upon this Embassy. Indeed he could not have been well
spared from the Congress, and therefore I was the more easily
satisfied with his Objection, which was the Want of Health. You
would have been exceedingly pleasd with him.
In your Letter to Mr. J. A. you promise to write to me. I shall
be happy in receiving your Letters by every Opportunity. If I am
not much mistaken, a short time will afford you a delightful Sub
ject to write upon. Our army must not long remain inactive.
They must improve the golden Season, before the Rebels can be
reinforced, which probably will be this Fall.
We are expecting every Moment important News from General
Schuyler. May God prosper our Designs in that Quarter.
I wish you would inform me, how Affairs are carried on in Gen
eral Assembly. Adieu. s. A.
i Richard Henry Lee. 2 Arthur Lee.
126 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Octr. 7th, 1775
DR. SIR, — The Debates and Deliberations in Congress are im
penetrable Secrets; but the Conversations in the City and the
Chatt of the Coffee house are free and open. Indeed I wish We
were at Liberty to write freely and Speak openly upon every Sub
ject, for their is frequently as much Knowledge derived from Con
versation and Correspondence as from Solemn public Debates.
A more intricate and complicated Subject never came into any
Man's thoughts than the Trade of America.1 The Questions that
arise when one thinks of it, are very numerous.
If the Thirteen united Colonies should immediately Surcease
all Trade with every Part of the World what would be the Con
sequence? In what manner, and to what degree, and how soon
would it affect, the other Parts of the World ? how would it affect
G. B., Ireland, the English West India Islands, the French the
Dutch the Danish, the Spanish West India Islands? how would it
affect the Spanish Empire on the Continent? how would it affect
the Brazills and the Portuguese Settlements in America ? If it is cer
tain that it would distress Multitudes in these Countries, does it
therefore follow that it would induce any foreign Court to offer Us
assistance, and to ask us for our Trade or any Part of it? If it is
questionable whether foreign States would venture upon Such
Steps, which would perhaps be Violations of Treaties of Peace,
and certainly would light up a War in Europe, is it certain that
Smugglers, by whom I mean private Adventurers belonging to
foreign Nations would come here, through all the Hazards they
must run? Could they be suffered to clear out for America in
their own Custom houses? Would they not run the risque of
Seizure from their own Custom House officers, or of Capture from
their own Men of War? Would they not be liable to be visited by
British Men of War, in any Part of the Ocean, and if found to have
no Clearances be seized? When they arrived on any Part of the
Coast of N. America would they not be seized by Brittish Cutters,
i See Adams' "Notes of Debates," October 4 and 5, in Journals of the Continental Con
gress, in. 476.
&&*'#'>"'<'£"/>*"
^%+***&v>«>*-
i$
*Ut7
XrrX -fAS*"'**
fat t/.'d*"^
7/6? JW**4'S>*i
*775] Warren-Adams Letters 127
Cruizers, Fenders, Frigates without Number? But if their good
Fortune should escape all these Risques, have We harbours or
Rivers, sufficiently fortified, to insure them Security while here?
In their Return to their own Country would they not have the
sameGauntlett to run? In short, if We Stop our own Ships, have
we even a Probability that the Ships of foreign Nations, will run
the Venture to come here, either with or without the Countenance
and Encouragement of their several Courts or States public or
private open or secret? It is not easy for any Man precisely and
certainly to answer this Question. We must then say all this is
uncertain.
Suppose then We assume an intrepid Countenance, and send
Ambassadors at once to foreign Courts, what Nation shall We
court? Shall We go to the Court of France, or the Court of Spain,
to the States General of the United Provinces? to the Court of
Lisbon, to the Court of Prussia or Russia or Turkey or Denmark,
or where, to any, one, more, or all of these? If we should, is there a
Probability, that our Ambassadors would be received, or so much
as heard or seen by any Man or Woman in Power at any of these
Courts. He might possibly, if well skill'd in intrigue, his Pocketts
well filled with Money and his Person Robust and elegant enough,
get introduced to some of the Misses and Courtezans in Keeping
of the statesmen in France, but would not that be all.
An offer of the Sovereignty of this Country to France or Spain
would be listened to no doubt by either of those Courts, but we
should suffer any Thing before we should offer this. What then
can We offer? An Alliance, a Treaty of Commerce? What Secur
ity could they have that we should keep it? Would they not reason
thus: These People intend to make Use of us to establish an Inde
pendency, but the Moment they have done it Britain will make
Peace with them, and leave us in the Lurch, and we have more to
dread from an Alliance between Britain and the United Colonies
as an independant state, than we have now they are under one
corrupted Administration. Would not Spain reason in the same
manner, and say further our Dominions in South America will be
soon a Prey to these enterprizing and warlike Americans, the
Moment they are an independent State? Would not our Proposals
128 Jf^arren- Adams Letters [1775
and Agents be treated with Contempt? and if our Proposals were
made and rejected, would not this sink the Spirits of our own
People Elevate our Enemies and disgrace Us in Europe:
If then, it will not be safe to Stop our own Ships entirely and
trust to foreign Vessells coming here either with or without Con
voy of Men of War belonging to foreign States, what is to be done?
Can our own People bear a total Cessation of Commerce? Will not
such Numbers be thrown out of Employment and deprived of
their Bread, as to make a large discontented Party? Will not the
Burthen of supporting these Numbers, be too heavy upon the
other Part of the Community? Shall we be able to maintain the
War, wholly without Trade? can we support the Credit of our
Currency without it?
If We must have Trade how shall We obtain it?
There is one Plan, which alone, as it has ever appeared to me,
will answer the End in some Degree, at first. But this is attended
with So many Dangers to all Vessells, certain Loss to many, and
So much Uncertainty upon the whole, that it is enough to make any
Man thoughtfull. Indeed it is looked upon So wild, extravagant and
romantic, that a Man must have a great deal of Courage and much
Indifference to common Censure, who should dare to propose it.
"God helps those who help themselves," and it has ever ap
peared to me since this unhappy Dispute begun, that We had no
Friend upon Earth to depend on but the Resources of our own
Country, and the good sense and great Virtues of our People. We
shall finally be obliged to depend upon ourselves.
Our Country furnishes a vast abundance of materials for Com
merce. Foreign Nations have great Demands for them. If We
should publish an Invitation to any one Nation or more, or to all
Nations, to send their ships here and let our Merchants inform
theirs that We have Harbours where the Vessells can lie in Safety,
I conjecture that many private foreign Adventurers would find
Ways to send Cargoes here thro all the Risques without Convoys.
At the Same Time our own Merchants would venture out with their
Vessells and Cargoes, especially in Winter, and would run thro
many Dangers, and in both these Ways together, I should hope We
might be supplied with Necessaries.
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 129
All this however Supposes that We fortify and defend our own
Harbours and Rivers. We may begin to do this. We may build
Row Gallies, flatt bottomed Boats, floating Batteries, Whale
Boats, Vesseaux de Frize, nay, Ships of War, how many, and how
large I can't say. To talk of coping Suddenly with G. B. at sea
would be Quixotism indeed, but the only Question with me is, can
We defend our Harbours and Rivers? If We can We can trade.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Octob. 7, 1775
DEAR SIR, — Yesterday Capt. Read arrived here from London
which place he left the 5th of August and Falmouth the nth.
He brings Advice that there is not the least Appearance of a
Relaxation of Ministerial Measures; That the [King] speaks of
them 'with the utmost Satisfaction; that 2000 Troops are raising
to be sent to America immediately, either to Boston or New York.
The Parliament is to meet in November when a Bill will be brought
in to enable our most gracious Sovereign to send for and employ
16,000 Hessians, to subdue his Subjects in America. The Neces
sity of the times requires the utmost Activity and Vigor on this
side of the Atlantick.
Pray get ready our Colony Accounts with all convenient speed.
I am now in Congress and can add no more than that I am with
the warmest Affection, your Friend,
SAML. AD.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
October the 8, 1775
DEAR SIR, — You will not think your Time misspent in Perusing
any Plans for the Service of your Country, even altho they may
prove, upon Examination chimerical. There are two Channells
only, through which Vessells of large Burthen, can pass, to and
from Boston; one, is between the West Head of long Island and
the Moon: It is a mile Wide, but incumbered with Rocks and too
130 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
shallow for a Man of War of more than twenty Guns. The other
is between Long Island and Deer Island, a mile and a half from
Point to Point, the only Channell thro which capital Ships can
pass, leads through the Narrows, between Gallop's Island and
Lovell's Island where it is not wider, than the length of a fifty-
Gun Ship. In the Interval between Gallop's and George's, is Nan-
taskett Road, where five Men of War are now Stationed; for what
other End, do you suppose, than to guard the Narrows from being
obstructed ?
The Moon communicates with Squantum, at low Water, even
without a Canoe. A Fort therefore, upon Squantum may be so
placed as to Secure a Retreat from the Moon to Squantum and
from that to the Main; one upon the East Head of the Moon, and
another on the West Head of long Island, Secures the Communica
tion, and covers a Retreat from the latter to the former; another,
on the Summit of Long Island, covers the shore on each side. A
Strong Battery at the East Head of long Island commands the ship
Channell, the Narrows, and Nantaskett Road, consequently by
sinking Hulks or Vesseaux de Frise in the Narrows, We might
prevent any Vessell of great Force from going out or coming in.
In the Month of February last a Plan of the Town and Chart
of the Harbour of Boston, was published in London. I think in a
Magazine.1 I wish you would examine this Project by that Plan,
and give me your opinion. I dont trouble Washington with any of
these Schemes, because I dont wish to trouble him with any Thing
to no Purpose. But if I could command a Thousand Tons of Pow
der and an hundred Pieces of heavy Cannon I would Scribble to
him till he would be weary of me. Mean Time It may not be
amiss for me to amuse myself with some of my Friends, in Specu
lations of this kind; because some good may some time or other
Result from them.
Can no Use be made of Rowe Gallies, with you ? Eight or Ten
are compleated here. Can they be used in the Vineyard Sound?
Would not their heavy Metal demolish a Cruizer now and then?
There is a Shipwright escaped from Boston, who [has] been several
Years a Prisoner in a Turkish galley and has a Model of one. Coll.
I The Gentleman's Magazine, XLV. 41.
Warren- Adams Letters 131
Quincy knows him — or I could procure you Directions from this
Place how to construct them.
We have just received by an express from Schuyler, very prom
ising Intelligence concerning the operations of the Northern
Army. Ethan Allen is in the Heart of the Country joined by 200
Canadians. Montgomery was beginning to bombard St. Johns.
If We should be successful in that Province, a momentous,
political Question arises — What is to be done with it? A Govern
ment, will be as necessary for the Inhabitants of Canada as for
those of the Massachusetts Bay, and what form of Government,
shall it be? Shall the Canadians, choose an House of Representa
tives, a Council and a Governor? It will not do to govern them by
Martial Law, and make our General Governor, this will be dis
relished by them as much as their new Parliamentary Constitu
tion or their old French Government.
Is there Knowledge and Understanding enough among them,
to elect an Assembly, which will be capable of ruling them and
then to be governed by it — who shall constitute their Judges and
civil Officers.
This appears to me as serious a Problem as any We shall have to
solve. [Six lines are here erased in the original letter] when I was
at Watertown a Comtee of both Houses was appointed to Corre
spond with Us.1 We have not reed any Letter from it.
Another was appointed to enquire after Virgin Lead and leaden
ore and the methods of making Salt,2 and acquaint Us with their
Discoveries. We have not heard from this Comtee.
Please to send the enclosed News Paper to my Wife when you
have read it.
[No signature.]
1 "Resolved, that William Sever, Jedidiah Foster, and Joseph Palmer, Esqrs. together
with such as the honorable House shall join, be a standing Committee for the Purpose of
transmitting from Time to Time, to our Delegates at the honorable Continental Congress,
all such Transactions of the Great and General Court; together with all such other Trans
actions and Events, as may affect the Publick, and which may appear to said Committee,
proper and expedient, that the said honorable Congress should be made acquainted with."
Journals House of Representatives (Mass.), August 22, 1775.
2 The Council appointed on the Committee on lead and salt, Benjamin Greenleaf,
Eldad Taylor and Joseph Palmer; to whom the House joined, Col. Freeman, Capt. Green-
leaf, Dr. Whiting and Mr. Story. Ib.
132 U^arren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Octr. 10, 1775
DR. SIR, — Mr. Jonathan Mifflin, a young Gentleman of this
City a relation of our Friend the Quarter Master General will hand
you this Letter.
I believe you will have enough of my Correspondence this Time,
for it has certainly been filled with mere Impertinence and con
tains nothing of War or Politicks which are so agreeable to your
Taste.
Our Expectations are very Sanguine of Intelligence from Schuy-
ler that Canada is ours. Our advices from England breath nothing
but Malice, Revenge and Cruelty.
Powder and Salt Petre are Still the Cry from one End of the
Continent to the other. We must, and, God willing, We will have
them.
I long to hear concerning our Friends in Boston. My Friends
cannot be too particular. I want to know the Condition of every
Individual; I want to know also every Event however minute
which Turns up in our Camp or Lines. We have most formidable
Descriptions of Gage's Fortifications in Boston. Ninety Pieces of
Brass Field Pieces from four to eight Pounders have certainly been
cast in the Tower for America, and Carnages, Wheel-barrows,
Flat bottomed Boats, etc. I am, etc.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Octob. 10, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Since my last I have receivd Intelligence from
London, that the British Ministry after having receivd the Advice
of the Engagement on Bunker's Hill held various Councils on
American Affairs and had resolvd to persevere in their Attempts
to enslave us. 50 or 60 brass field pieces 6 and 9 pounders some
thousand stands of small Arms with Ammunition had been shipd
from the Tower of London for Quebeck to arm the Canadians.
Five Regiments from Ireland, viz. I7th 27th 28th 46th and 55th
Warren-Adams Letters 133
were orderd to Boston. 4 Companies of the Train of Artillery
are to go with the Ordnance and Stores to Quebeck. Several
Ships of War were also orderd to America. What was intended for
Quebeck were to sail in a fortnight from the Date of the Letter
which was the 8th of August. The Regiments from Ireland were
intended to be at Boston in October. The Parliamt. was to meet
in Octr. and so soon, that a Sanction might be given as early as pos
sible to the Measures that have been taken as well as others to be
adopted. General Gage had been appointed Governor General of
all North America, but afterwards it was concluded that Leave
should be given him to return home. This was to make Room for
Genl. Amherst, who is to take the Command in the Spring with a
promise of 20,000 Men — 2000 Highlanders 3000 Irish Roman
Catholicks, and the rest, if they cannot be raised in England, to
consist of Hannoverians, Hessians and other Germans.1 The Plan
said to have been laid before Ministry last Spring, which was to
divide the Troops then sent out, a part of them to go to New York,
is now to be followed. General Gage's Necessity then obligd him
to alter that plan and to collect all his troops together at Boston.
Govr. Carleton had orders to enter upon the New England Fron
tiers with the Canadians, and Tryon with the Forces at New York
was to meet and cooperate with him. This it is said was the De
sign of his return to his Government.
The idea is not given up, and to facilitate the plan a Number
of flat bottom boats were to be constructed and so contrivd as
when they touch the Shore, to throw down a platform that will land
at once 6 armed Men. They may be used to fire field pieces or
Swivel Guns. When they are compleated they are to be taken to
pieces and sent to Canada to be used on the Lakes. It was re
ported in England that the Officers just arrivd from Boston said,
the Intention was to dispossess the Americans of Dorchester Neck
which was all they thought of doing this Campaign, supposing
I The intelligence in Boston was better. "The Cerberus Man of War, which carried
you the News of Charlestown Battle, is Returned here after a Short Passage. She brings
us very pleasing Accounts, such as have put new Life into Every Body; Gen'l Gage goes
home in the Pallas, a Transport Ship, and Gen'l Howe is advanced to the Chief Command,
a Man almost adored by the Army, and one that with the Spirit of a Wolfe, possesses the
genius of a Marlborough." Samuel Paine to William Paine, October 2, 1775. A .£. Hist.
Gen. Reg., xxx. 371.
134 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
that by the Spring they should have Reinforcements sufficient to
attempt any thing; especially as they concluded the Americans
would be obligd from the Severity of the Winter to break up their
Encampment, while the Soldiers would be in good Quarters in
Boston. They also said that the Officers were much disgusted with
the Service, and that it was with the utmost difficulty the Soldiers
were compelld to fight.
By late accounts from the Northern Army things wear a prom
ising Aspect there. Genl. Schuyler's Success will frustrate the
designs of Ministry in Canada.
Letters have been intercepted here which discover a plot of
which I have not now time to write you, as the Bearer, Mr. Mif-
flin, of whose going I was apprizd but a few Minutes ago, is now
waiting. I am impatient to hear the particulars of a report we
have just heard concerning Dr. Church which astonishes me.
Be kind enough to forward the inclosd Letter. Excuse this in
digested account of Matters, which however comes from good
Authority and be assured that I am with due regards to your good
Lady and Friends most affectionately. Yours,
S. A.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 12, 1775
DR. SIR, — I would write often if I had anything to communi
cate; But obligations of Honour forbid some Communications and
other Considerations prevent others. The common Chatt of a
Coffee house is too frivolous for me to recollect or you to read. I
have inclosed a Paper upon which I will make no Remark: But
leave you to your own Conjectures — only I must absolutely insist
that it be mentioned to nobody. It may gratify your Curiosity
and give some Relief to your Cares.
I most earnestly pray that all my Friends would exert them
selves to furnish me with Intelligence of a particular Nature. I
mean with a List of all the Depredations committed upon our
Trade; a List of all the Vessels which have been taken by the Cut
ters, Cruizers, etc.; the Names of the Vessells, Masters, owners;
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 135
Burthen of the Ship, the Nature of the Cargo's, and the Value of
both. Nothing will contribute so much to facilitate Reprisals, as
an exact Account of our Losses and Damages. I wish our General
Court would take it up, and examine it thoroughly.
We have no Accounts nor Vouchers yet. Nor one Line from the
Comtee appointed to correspond with Us. I am very happy -
how it is I know not — but I am very happy.
[No signature.]
[ENCLOSURE] l
As the Article of Powder is much wanted to carry on the opera
tions vs. the Ministerial Army, and as the british Ministry have
taken Every Step that human Nature could devise to prevent the
Americans obtaining so essential an Article; it is humbly Submit
ted to the wisdom of the Cont. Congress, whether it will not be
prudent to Supply themselves with that Article at the Expence of
the said Ministry by taking it wherever they can get it. It is there
fore recommended that 2 Vessells properly mann'd be sent to the
Island of Antigua one of which may anchor at old Road on the
South Side of the said Island (where there are only a few Houses)
in the Evening under Dutch Colours; passing for a Vessell bound
on a forced Trade, to the French Islands; in the night they may
land, and take away all the powder; there being not above one or
two Persons, in the fort to prevent it. As soon as the Powder is
obtained the Vessell may proceed down to Johnsons Point Fort,
at the S. W. point of the Island; and take what is there; there being
only a single Matross in the said Fort; the other Vessell must be
commanded by a prudent Man, well acquainted with the Bar and
Harbour at St. Johns; if any Man of War be anchored without the
Bar; it will not be prudent to attempt any Thing, but should there
be none; the Vessell may then go over the Bar, and anchor close
under the fort; as is commonly the Custom. There are generally
10 or 12 Soldiers in James Fort Situated on a Point on the lar
board Hand, Seven miles distant from the Town; the Magazine is
in a hollow; on the Left Hand just after entering the Gate, and
commonly contains from 500 to 1000 Blls. of Powder, or more.
i In the writing of John Adams.
136 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
2 miles from thence to the northward is a Small fort called Cor-
bresons point fort; and 2 miles from this northward is another
Small fort called Dickensons bay fort, in either of which there is
not above a Single Matross. All this Powder may be easily obtained
without any Oppossition, if conducted with Prudence; it will be
necessary that the Captn should have some Money, to distribute
among the Soldiers, to assist in taking it away; He may go into the
Fort in the afternoon (and See how the Land lies) under pretence
of Sailing that night, and thereby guide his operation.
The same Thing may be done by other Vessells at Montserrat,
Nevis, Charles fort at Sandy point, St. Kitts, also at St. Martens;
without any Risque.
I would advise the continental Congress to make a general
Sweep of all the Powder, at St. Eustatius, it may first be taken and
then paid for afterwards as the Dutch refuse to sell it to us; I am
well persuaded the whole of this Plan may be executed, and that
near 3000 Blls of powder may be obtained in the Course of 3 or 4
months.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Octr. 13, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Your obliging Favour of the fifth Inst.1 I this
Moment received and give me Leave to assure you that no Letter
I ever received gave me greater Pleasure. In truth, sir, I have
been under some Apprehensions, that a certain Passage, in a very
unfortunate as well as inconsiderate Letter, might have made
some disagreeable Impressions on your Mind; I was indeed re
lieved in some Degree by Accounts which I had from Gentlemen
who knew your sentiments, especially such as were present when
you first heard it read. The candid, genteel and generous Manner
in which it was heard and animadverted on, gave me great Satis
faction: I had thoughts of writing you on the Subject, but was hin
dered by certain Notions of Delicacy, perhaps as whimsical as any
Thing alluded to in that Letter. But I rejoice exceedingly, that
this incident has induced you to write.
I Not found.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 137
I frankly confess to you that a little whim and Eccentricity so
far from being an objection to any one in my Mind,1 is rather
a Recommendation, at first Blush, and my Reasons are, because
few Persons in the World, within my Experience or little Reading,
who have been possessed of Virtues or Abilities, have been en
tirely without them, and because few Persons, have been remark
able for them, without having something at the same Time, truly
valuable in them.
I confess farther that a Fondness for Dogs, by no means depre
ciates any Character in my Estimation, because many of the
greatest Men have been remarkable for it; and because I think it
Evidence of an honest Mind and an Heart capable of Friendship,
Fidelity and Strong Attachments being the Characteristicks of
that Animal.
Your opinion of my Generosity, Valour, Good Sense, Patriotism
and Zeal for the Rights of Humanity is extreamly flattering to me;
and I beg leave to assure you, in the strongest Manner and I flatter
myself that my Language and Conduct in public and private upon
all Occasions, notwithstanding the wanton Expressions in the
intercepted Letter, have demonstrated that this Opinion is recip
rocal. Your Sincerity, sir, I never doubted, any more than I did
my own, when I expressed or implied an Opinion of your Attain
ments as a Schollar and a Soldier. Indeed I might have expressed
a much higher opinion of these than I did, with the same Sincerity.
But enough of this.
At the Story of the Surgeon General 2 I stand astonished. A
Man of Genius, of Learning, of Family, of Character, a Writer of
Liberty Songs and good ones too, a Speaker of Liberty orations, a
Member of the Boston Committee of Correspondence, a Member
of the Massachusetts Congress, an Agent for that Congress to the
Continental Congress, a Member of the House, a Director Gen
eral of the Hospital and Surgeon General — Good God! What
shall We say of human Nature? What shall We say of American
Patriots? or rather what will the World Say? The World however
will not be too severe. Indeed, Sir, We ought to expect in a Con
test like this, however we may detest, such Examples as this.
i A hit in favor of Charles Lee. ^ Church.
138 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
History furnishes Instances more or less, in all Quarrels like this.
The Drs. Brother Poet Waller in the Struggle with a Stuart, was
his Antitype. We cannot be too cautious of the Persons We en
trust, in such Times as these: Yet We ought not to let our Caution
degenerate into groundless Jealousy. There is a Medium between
Credulity on one hand and a base suspicious Temper on the other
from which We need not be induced to deviate even in such
Times as these and by such Examples as the Drs.
The Nature of the Conspiracy and the Duration and Extent of
it seem as yet in much obscurity. I hope Time and Care will
bring the whole Truth to light that exact and impartial Justice
may be done, if that is possible.
Before this Reaches you, a Comtee. from Congress will tell you
News from hence. I wish, sir that I could write freely to you con
cerning our Proceedings; But you know the obligations I am under
to be upon the Reserve: and the danger there would be as I know
not the Carrier of this Letter, if I was at perfect Liberty. But this
I must say, that I see no danger of our "displaying Timidity."
This Congress, is more united, and more determined than ever.
And if the petrified Tyrants would but send us their Ultimatum,
which is expected soon, you would see Us, in Earnest.
As to confiscating Estates, that is but a small Part of what will
be done when We are engaging seriously.
You began upon a Subject, towards the Close of your Letter of
infinite Importance; I read with avidity your Thoughts and was
much chagrin'd that you gave me so few of them. The Intricacy
and Multiplicity of the Questions involved in it, require more ex
tensive Knowledge and a larger Mind than mine to determine
them with Precision. There is so much Uncertainty too, that I
believe no Man is capable of deciding with Precision; but it must
be left to Time Accident and Experience, to begin and improve
the Plan of our Trade.
If We should invite "all the Maritime Powers of the World into
our Ports," would any one of them come? At least, untill they
should be convinced that We were able, and determined to fight
it out with G. B. to the last? Are they yet convinced of this, or will
they be very soon? Besides, if they should, Would it be Sound
i?75] Warren- Adams Letters 139
Policy in Us to admit them? Would it not be sounder to confine
the Benefit and the Bargain to one or a few?
Is it not wiser to send our own Ships to all maritime Powers,
and admit private adventurers from foreign Nations, if by any
Means We can defend them against Cutters and Cruizers, or
teach them to elude them. I have upon this Subject a System of
my own but am not bigoted to it, nor to any other. You will
oblige me vastly by your Sentiments at large.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 13, 1775
Yours of October I and 2d I received this Morning with the
Letters inclosed. These were from my afflicted Wife giving me
such a continued History of her Distresses, as has affected me too
much to write you a long Letter.
The Misfortune, or what shall I call it, of the Surgeon General
had been represented here in several Letters in very glaring Col
ours, until one arrived from the secretary to the general, couched
in Terms of more Temper and Candour. By your Account, and
indeed by the Letter itself it appears an unaccountable Affair.
Balaam praying for Leave to curse Israel, is the Emblem. A mani
fest Reluctance at hurting his Country, yet desirous of making a
Merit, with the other Side — what shall we think? Is there rea
son to believe that other Letters have gone the same Way? I was
so little acquainted with the World that I never heard a Suspicion
to the Disadvantage of his Moral Character untill I was lately
with you at the Adjournment. I should scarcely have joined in a
certain Recommendation, if I had heard before what I heard then;
for Honour and Fidelity violated in Such gross Instances in private
Life are slender securities in public. Be not concerned about your
Friends at the Congress. Their Recommendations will not be dis
credited by this Event. Gentlemen here have behaved universally
with the Utmost Politeness, upon this Occasion, they say they
pitty us, for the Suspicions that there is danger may arise among us
of one another, and the Hurt to that Confidence in one another
140 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
which ought to be. But any Man ought to be kick'd for a Brute
that shall reproach Us in Thought, Word or Deed on this Account.
Our accounts from Schuyler's Army are as agreable as yours
from Arnold. We are in hourly Expectation.
Rejoice to hear of your Successes by Sea. Let Cargill 1 and
Obrien 2 be put into continental service immediately I pray.
We begin to feel a little of a Seafaring Inclination here.
The Powder at Quebec, will place us all upon the Top of the
House.
Your Letters are very usefull to me, and I cannot have too
many or too long.
I believe We shall take some of the twenty Gun Ships before
long. We must excite by Policy that kind of exalted Courage,
which is^ever victorious by sea and land — which is irresistable.
The Saracens, had it — the Knights of Malta — the Assassins -
Cromwell's soldiers and sailors. Nay, N. England men have ever
had it hitherto. They never yet f aild in an Attempt of any Kind.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Octob. 13, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — It is now more than a Month since we arrivd
in this City. I have receivd but one Letter and for that I am much
indebted to you. I thought our Assembly had appointed a Com
mittee to transmit Intelligence to us. We hear nothing from them.
Have they no Intelligence of Importance to send to us? If so, let
them inform us even of that, and we will pay the Postage of their
Letter. But surely it is of some Importance that we should know
whether C[hurch] is a Traitor or not — that on the one hand we
might joyn like disinterested Patriots in execrating him, or, on
the other hand, in vindicating the Character of an unfortunate
Friend. Our pride is sorely mortified when there are Grounds to
suspect that so eminent a Countryman is become a Traitor. Jhz
Fool will say in his heart, there is no such thing in the World as
1 The exploit is that on p. 100, supra.
2 Jeremiah O'Brian. In March, 1776, he was commissioned captain of the sloop
Machias Liberty. See Currier, History of Newburyport, I. 612.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 141
publick Spirit. The most virtuous Citizen will be suspected of
concealing his dishonest Designs under a Cloak of Zeal for his
Country and the brightest Examples will lose their Influence.
I am very sollicitous that our Army, if it be practicable, should
make a resolute Attack upon the Rebels before a Reinforcement
to them shall arrive, which I think may be depended upon very
soon. Genl. Gage I understand is already gone for England. This
verifies a part of the Intelligence which I gave you in my last Let
ter. Howe will remain in Command till the Spring, when Amherst
will come out as strong as they can make him. It is said that 1
usd his utmost Power of Dissimulation (and he is as great a Master
of it as Mansfield or Hutchinson) to prevail on him to undertake
the Command. Among the officers of the British Army, the slav
ish Maxim "the Will of the Prince is Law" too much prevails.
They will suffer the arbitrary and cruel Commands of their Sov
ereign to supersede the Dictates of Honor, Morality, and Con
science. I fear there are few, if more than one Effingham 2 to be
found in Britain. I have thought there was more of the true prin
ciple of Honor in the British Army, than among any other publick
Class. If this be a Truth it is a melancholy one, for it is greatly to
be apprehended that there is not Virtue enough in the Nation to
save it. We know by long Experience that there is not Virtue
enough there to save America. Why then should America expect
it from Britain. This fond Hope of a Change from violent to
lenient Measures in Britain is the Rock which endangers the
Shipwreck of America.
This Instant is arrivd an authentick Account of Dr. Church's
Affair and a Copy of the Letter he had intended to send into Bos
ton. To me it appears to be a very unintelligible Letter. I have
not indeed thoroughly examined it. I have only heard it read. I
do not recollect that it in any measure was calculated to expose
the Weakness of our Army, which a Traitor, would gladly have
seizd the Opportunity of doing, especially as he might have done
it at that time with great Truth. The Union of Individual Colonies
1 Thus in the MS. Perhaps the King is intended.
2 Charles Howard, Lord Howard of Effingham (1536-1624), lord high admiral at the
defeat of the Spanish "armada."
142 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
and of the Continental Congress, and their firmness and Resolu
tion are picturd in high Colours. He informs of the Arrival of
large Quantities of Gunpowder at a time when he knew there was
the greatest Scarcity and was sollicking his Friends here to take
every Method for providing as he expressd it that "unum neces-
sarium." Other parts of his Letter wear a different Complection,
such as his mentioning the Defeat of our Army at Bunker Hill as
"lucky"; his attempting three times in vain to send in his Letter,
the messenger in the third Attempt being taken up (which I do not
recollect to have heard before) and the Manner in which this Let
ter was conceald. But I will quit this disagreeable Subject and
conclude with assuring you that I am very affectionately yours,
S. A.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 1 8, 1775
DR. SIR, — The Letter of Dr [Church] is the oddest Thing imag
inable. There are so many Lies in it, calculated to give the Enemy
an high Idea of our Power and Importance, as well as so many
Truths tending to do us good that one knows not how to think
him treacherous: Yet there are several Strokes, which cannot be
accounted for at least by me, without the Supposition of Iniquity.
In Short I endeavor to suspend my Judgment. Don't let us
abandon him for a Traitor without certain Evidence.
But there is not so much Deliberation in many others, or so
much Compassion.
The Congress declined entering into any Discussion of the Evi
dence, or any Determination concerning his Guilt or the Nature of
his Offence.
But in general they had a full Conviction that it was so gross an
Imprudence at least and was so Suspicious, that it became them
to dismiss him from their Service, which they did instantly.
Yesterday they chose a Successor, Dr. Morgan l an eminent
Surgeon of this City. We as usual had our Men to propose, Dr.
i John Morgan (1725-1789). He was dismissed from his office in January, 1777, and
a sharp controversy followed, in which he held the advantage.
i775l Warren- Adams Letters 143
Hall, Jackson, and Dr. Forster. But Dr. Forster's Sufferings and
services, and Dr. Jackson's great Fame, Experience and Merits
were pleaded in vain.
There is a fatality attends our Province. It Seems destined to
fall into Contempt. It was destined that We should make Mis
takes I think, in our Appointment of General Delegates, Surgeons,
and every Thing else, except Paymaster and Judge Advocate. I
hope they will not turn Cowards, Traytors, nor Lubbers; if they
do I shall renounce all.
Dr. Morgan will be with you soon. He is Professor of Medecine
in the Colledge here, and reads Lectures in the Winter. He is a
Brother of Mr. Duche and of our Mr. Stillman. I may write you
more particularly about him another Time.
Let me close now with a matter of some Importance. Congress
have appointed Deane, Wythe and your servant a Committee to
collect a just Account of the Hostilities committed by the minis
terial Troops and Navy, in America, since last March; with proper
Evidence of the Truth of the Facts related, the Number and Value
of the Buildings destroyed by them, also the Number and Value of
the Vessells inward and outward bound, which have been Seized
by them, since that Period, also the Stock taken by them from
different Parts of the Continent: We shall write to the Assemblies
of New England and Virginia at least, but we shall likewise write
to many Individuals requesting their Assistance and to you among
others. I wish you would think a little and consult with others
concerning this Business for it nearly concerns our Province to
have it well done.
[Wo signature^
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 19, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — It was the latter end of August that I left you.
All September has run away, and 19 days in Octr. and We have had
no regular Intelligence from Watertown or Cambridge. Your
Goodness I acknowledge. But there was a Committee of both
Houses appointed, to correspond with your Delegates; and We
144 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
were to be informed of every Thing that occurred in Boston, Cam
bridge, Roxbury, Watertown, etc., especially of every Thing
which passed in Either House; But have never received a single
Letter not even a Scratch of a Pen from this Comtee. or any
Member of it, unless you are one, which I dont know that you are.
Should be glad to hear if this Committee, is all defunct or not.
I have, in almost every Letter I have written, to any of my
Friends, entreated that We might have accounts and Vouchers
sent Us, that We might obtain a Reimbursement of some Part at
least of the inordinate Expence that has fallen upon Us. But have
received No answer from any one, concerning it. I wish to be in
formed, however, what the Difficulty is, that lies in the Way, if
We cannot have the Accounts, etc. The Continental Money
goes away so fast, that I greatly fear We shall have none left in the
Treasury, before We get the Proper Evidence and Information to
obtain a Reimbursement for our Province. Dollars go but little
Way in Maintaining Armies — very costly Commodities indeed.
The Expence already accrued will astonish Us all I fear.
Congress has appointed a Comtee — Deane, Wythe and your
servant — to collect a Narration of Hostilities, and Evidence to
prove it, to ascertain the Number and Value of the Buildings
destroyed, Vessells captivated, and Cattle plundered, etc., every
where. I hope We shall tell a true Story, and then I am sure it will
be an affecting one. We shall not omit their Butcheries, nor their
Robberies, nor their Piracies. But we shall want Assistance from
every Quarter. I want the Distresses of Boston painted by Dr.
Cooper's Pencil.1 Everything must be supported by Affidavits.
This will be an usefull Work for the Information of all the Colonies
of what has passed in Some, for the Information of our Friends
in England, and in all Europe, and all Posterity. Besides it may
pave the Way to obtain Retribution and Compensation, but this
had better not be talked of at present. The Committee will write
I The Committee of Safety of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress was instructed
to "draw up and transmit to Great Britain, a fair and impartial account of the late
battle of Charlestown, as soon as possible." The Committee, being exceedingly crowded
with business, desired the Rev. Dr. William Cooper, the Rev. Mr. William Gordon and
the Rev. Mr. Peter Thacher to draw up a true statement, journals of ihe Provincial Con
gress (Mass.), 594. No report appears to have been made. The Continental Congress
took up the matter with an equal want of results. See p. 162, infra.
'7751 Warren- Adams Letters 145
to the Assemblies, and to private Gentn. No Pains or Expense will
be Spared I hope to render the Execution of this Commission com-
pleat. It concerns our Province very much.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 19, 1775
DR. SIR, — What Think you of an American Fleet? I don't Mean
100 ships of the Line, by a Fleet, but I suppose this Term may be
applied to any naval Force consisting of several Vessells, tho the
Number, the Weight of Metal, or the Quantity of Tonnage may
be small.
The Expence would be very great — true. But the Expence
might be born and perhaps the Profits and Benefits to be obtained
by it, would be a Compensation. A naval Force might be created
which would do something. It would destroy Single Cutters and
Cruisers. It might destroy small Corvets or Fleets of these like
Wallace's at R. Island and Ld. Dunmores at Virginia. It might
oblige our Enemies to sail in Fleets. For two or three Vessells of
36 and twenty Guns, well armed and manned might attack and
carry a 64 or a 70 or a 50 Gun Ship.
But, there is a great Objection to this. All the Trade of Pennsyl
vania, the Lower Counties, a great Part of Maryland and N. Jersey
Sails in between the Capes of Delaware Bay. And if a strong Fleet
should be posted in that Bay, Superiour to our Fleet it might
obstruct all the Trade of this River.
Further the Trade of Virginia and the rest of Maryland floats
into Cheasapeak Bay between the Capes of Henry and Charles
where a Fleet might stop all. Besides Virginia and Maryland have
no Navigation of their own nor any Carpenters to build ships.
Their whole Trade is carried on in British Bottoms by British,
most of it by North British Merchants. These Circumstances
distinguish them quite from New England, where the Inlets are
innumerable and the Navigation all their own.
They agree that a Fleet, would protect and secure the Trade of
New England but deny that it would that of the Southern Colonies.
146 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
Will it not be difficult to persuade them then to bear the Ex
pense of building a Fleet, merely for N. England. We are Specu
lating now about Things at a Distance. Should we be driven to a
War at all Points, a Fleet a public Fleet as well as privateers might
make prey enough of the Trade of our Enemies to make it worth
while.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 19, 1775
DR. SIR, — I want to be with you, Tete a Tete, to canvass, and
discuss the complicated subject of Trade. I say nothing of private
Consultations or public Debates, upon this important Head.
When I write you Letters you must expect nothing from me but
unconnected Scraps and broken Hints. Continual Successions of
Company allow me Time only to Scrawl a Page of Paper, without
Thought.
Shall we hush the Trade of the whole Continent and not permit
a Vessell to go out of our Harbours except from one Colony to
another? How long will or can our People bear this? I say they
can bear it forever. If Parliament should build a Wall of Brass, at
low Water Mark, We might live and be happy. We must change
our Habits, our Prejudices our Palates, our Taste in Dress, Fur
niture, Equipage, Architecture, etc., but We can live and be happy.
But the Question is whether our People have Virtue enough to be
mere Husbandmen, Mechanicks and Soldiers? That they have
not Virtue enough to bear it always I take for granted. How long
then will their Virtue last? till next Spring? If We Stop all Trade
G. B. I. and W. I. will not be furnished with any Thing.
Shall We then give Permission for our Vessells to go to foreign
Nations, if they can escape the Men of War? Can they escape the
Men of War? How many will escape in Proportion? If any Escape,
will they not venture to Britain, Ireland, and W. I. in defyance of
our Association? If they do not will not the British Dominions
furnish themselves with our Produce from foreign Ports, and
thereby avoid that Distress, which We expect will overtake them?
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 147
Will not the W. I. Islands especially, who cannot exist without
our Provisions for 6 Months, unless Glou[cester(?)and] Walker
were ignorant.
If We should invite other maritime Powers, or private adven
turers from foreign Nations to come here, Will they venture? They
run the risque of escaping Men of War, and the Dangers of an
unknown Coast. Maps and Charts may give Strangers a confused
Idea of the Geography of our Country, and of the Principal Inlets
of Harbours, Rivers, Creeks, Coves, Islands, etc., but without
skillful Pilots, the danger of Shipwreck will be 10 to one.
This vast object is never out of my Mind. Help me to grapple
it. The W. I., Barbadoes particularly, begin, We are told here by a
late Vessell, to be terrified out of their Wits.
[No signature.]
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, October 19, 1775
I thank my Friends for their kind remembrance of me last
week. The Letter enclosed was dated one day after that I received
a week before and containd no publick intelegance. I have been
Expecting Letters by the Gentlemen who I hear have arrived, but
fear I have not any as there are none come to hand. I thought I
should hear oftener from Philadelphia this fall, than I had ever
done before; but I never before had so few Letters, or found the
communication so difficult.
I wish, my Friend, you would be kind enough to write me often
whilst you tarry at Watertown, and let your Letters be of the
journal kind ; by that mean I could participate in your amusements,
in your pleasures, and in your Sentiments which would greatly
gratify me, and I should collect the best of inteligance.
Pray, Sir, is this request unreasonable? I would not ask any
thing willingly which might be deemd so? If it is not, will you use
your influence in obtaining for me this favour? It is Matter of
Speculation what the errant of these Gentlemen is. Some Suppose
one thing, some an other.
What do you immagine will be the consequence if a certain
148 barren- Adams Letters [1775
Letter writer1 should escape without very severe punishment?
Would there or not be Suspicions in the minds of people preju
dicial to those in power? The Country appear much exasperated,
and would say he was not the only traitor.
You have not wrote me what you think of the intercepted Let
ters, nor of the ridiculous pharaphrase. I wish you would be kind
eno to return the coppy of the Letters when ever you have done
with them.
I hear Mrs. Miflin is come to the Headquarters, if you see her,
please to present my compliments to her. I want to know all that
passes, curiosity you see natural to me as a , but I know who
has as much and therefore can excuse a reasonable share of it in
her Friend.
My best regards attend Mrs. Wintrope when you see her, When
do you expect to return? I hope I shall see more of you then and
have the pleasure of both your company's much oftener. I fear I
shall not see you at Watertown. I feel but little inclination to go
into company. I have no Son big enough to accompany me, and
two women cannot make out so well, as when they are more natu
rally coupled. I do not fancy riding thro Roxbury with only a
female partner. So believe you will not see Your
PORTIA
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA. Octob. 19, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — This Letter will be delivered to you by Capt.
Gist,2 a Gentleman who I am well informed is meritorious in his
endeavors with others in the Colony of Maryland to inspire the
Inhabitants there with Military Virtue. You will excuse the Free
dom I take in recommending him to your Notice. It is for the Sake
of my Country.
Our Affairs are at this Moment in a critical Situation. I am
impatient to hear from Schuyler and Arnold. By Accounts receivd
last Evening from Quebeck, the Lt. Governor3 of that Colony
I Church. 2 Mordecai Gist (1743-1792). 3 Hector Theophilus Cramahe.
1775] Warfen- Adams Letters 149
(Carleton being absent) had raisd a Number of Companies of
Canadians to defend the Country. There was however no Expec
tation of an Expedition to Quebeck at that time, viz. the 28th
September.
"Tis not in Mortals to command Success." If we fail we may
yet console ourselves, in reflecting that we have done all that was
in our power to save our Country. Voluisse sat est. I am in haste,
Yours Affectionately,
S. A.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, October 20, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — After an interval much longer than I ever
designed should take place, I now sit down to write again. The
multiplicity of business, and the crowd of company here, must be
my excuse. Every body either eats, drinks or sleeps in this house,
and very many do all, so that for a week past I could get no oppor
tunity to write, morning, noon, or night. The committee of Con
gress arrived here last Sunday. Colonel Harrison went through
[the] town without my seeing him. Doctor Franklin and Mr. Lynch
stop'd at Davis. I waited on them, and they came over and drank
coffee with us. The next day I dined with them all at Head
quarters, and yesterday they and the general officers, and the
gentlemen of character from the southward on a visit here, were
entertained by the House at Coolidge's,1 on the best dinner we
could get for them, turtle, codfish, etc. Every kind of civility and
mark of respect is shewn them here, and if they don't leave us
better satisfied than they came to us, it will not be our faults.
From the little conversation I have had with them, which has been
as much as could be got in a crowd, I presume they will. I am
much pleased with them. Doctor Franklin, who[m] I never saw
before, appears venerable in the characters of a gentleman, a phy
sician, and statesman. I think Mr. Lynch very sensible and judi
cious, and all of them firmly attached to the good cause, and I
flatter myself their zeal will not be abated by this visit. In my last
I Nathaniel Coolidge, whose house was near the south end of Mill Bridge.
150 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
short billet I forgot to congratulate you on your appointment to
the Supreme Bench of justice here, and I expect the first seat, as
no doubts are made of it, tho' they are not yet ranked. Four only
are appointed, Mr. Adams, Mr. Gushing, Mr. Read, and Mr.
Sergeant. The Board voted by ballot for those that should be
nominated, and with the four mentioned voted Mr. Sever, but
from his diffidence, etc., he prevailed not to be nominated. Where
the next appointment will fall I can't tell. Some of Paine's friends
had it in contemplation to have him nominated, but gave it up
after you was appointed, very naturally supposing he could not be
ranked before you, and he having previously declared to them
that he would not serve in an inferiour station, As every body
must know he was your superiour. I am told they have a design
to nominate him King's Attorney. How far his acceptance of that
place is to be reconciled to his declaration you may judge. Lowell
seems to stand no chance, at least till he has served an apprentice
ship in Purgatory. This appointment if you accept it will cooper
ate with your wishes expressed in several letters to leave the
Congress. Indeed we want you here, for this and divers other
reasons; but how to be reconciled to your leaving the Congress I
can't tell.1 I shall certainly, when such an event takes place, lose
some share of my confidence in, and reverence for that august
body. We have passed a bill for the judges holding their commis
sions quam diu se bene gesserint, but could not compleat their inde
pendency by established salaries.2 As for the town of Boston, it
continues in the same miserable situation. A few deserters come
out, and of late several of the inhabitants have stole out in boats,
among the rest our friend Hitchburne the night before last. One
man who got out last night has just called on me. He says one
reason of their running all hazards to get out is the threats of forc
ing them to take arms. They all give the same general account
that fresh provisions are very scarce, lid. sterling per pound, and
no vegetables; the meat excessive poor; that the troops have not
been served with it but twice during the summer and fall; that
1 The appointment was taken advisedly, but resigned in 1777. See Works of John
Adams, ix. 390, 457.
2 See "Journal of Josiah Quincy, Jr.," in Proceedings, XLIX. 448.
'775] Warren- Adams Letters 151
their duty is very severe, and they continue sickly, about 150x5 in
the hospitals; that they suppose Canada is in our hands, and are
not elated with any certain expectation of reinforcements. They
are apprehensive of an attack, were hove into great confusion a
few nights ago by Admiral Putnam, who went down into the Bay
with our floating batteries, etc., and fired some shot into the town,
which interrupted their ball, and the acting of a play they were
then engaged in, and their repose for the night. A misfortune
attended this expedition, which contributed to their relief and cost
us the loss of two men killed and six wounded. A gun split in one
of the batteries, and destroyed her also. Gage sailed about ten
days ago, and is succeeded by Howe. Gill, Leach and Edes's son 1
are out of gaol. Lovel still remains. It is said he refuses to come
out, but I doubt that. Several armed vessels are fixing by the
General, and we have passed a bill to encourage individuals to
fix out others. We have just received an account that they have
been cannonading Falmouth, Casco Bay, and that Wallace, the
pirate at Newport, has insisted on the removal of the troops from
Rhode Island, or he will destroy Newport, and shewn instructions
to the Committee there to destroy four towns, among which are
Plymouth and Machias. The others I can't learn. This account
the Governour, Cooke,2 has just received. Please to tell Colonel
Hancock I have the honour to be ranked a damned rebel with him.
Upon hearing we were concerned in a brigantine bound to London
the beginning of September, they sent out a cruiser on purpose for
her, took her, carryed her in, condemned her and cargo, and
ordered them sold. Our accounts, or rather the delay of them, has
given me infinite pain. We are determined to exert ourselves, and
prepare them as soon as possible. In the mean time shall forward
you an application which tho' a lumping one is not, perhaps, far
from the truth. I wish it may have a favourable reception. It
is impossible to describe the field of business before us, rendered
still more difficult and embarrassing by the multitude of new
questions out of the common road. When are we to see the re
solves upon which is grounded the credit of your bills? The misers
will soon be started upon that question. I will thank you for the
i John Gill, John Leach and Peter Edes. 2 Nicholas Cooke (1717-1782).
152 Warren- A dams Letters [1775
establishment of my office. You wrote me it was one hundred dol
lars per month.1 Colonel Hancock had every other establishment
here but that. Our army are in much the same state they have
been for some time past, as vigorous spirited as ever, and more
healthy than they have been, well secured by impenetrable lines.
So far we are prepared for the defensive. When we are to be so
for the offensive I know not. I suppose that depends much on
having a large quantity of a certain article, with which we have
never yet abounded. We have no news from Colonel Arnold
since he left Norridgwalk. I flatter myself he is before this in
Quebeck, where are large quantities of warlike stores, not less than
10,000 barrels powder. They would be a grand acquisition, but
I can hardly hope that they will be so stupid as not to take care
to prevent it by setting them afloat. We have no late news from
St. Johns. We begin to grow impatient.
The 21 st. The conference I am told is to be finished this day.
I know little about it. There seems to be such a reservedness
among those concerned here, that my pride won't permit me to ask
many questions. By the way, the Committee of Council are Colo
nel Otis,2 Mr. Sever,3 and Mr. Spooner,4 to whom has since been
added Bowdoin,5 who lately came to town and took his seat at the
Board. I believe your committee were very soon convinced that
the soldiers never had less wages. The bounty given on an average
last war, I suppose might be set at £8; sometimes we gave £12,
and one year £14, tho' at first less than £8, which will make at
least 20 / per month to be added to 367, the wages then given.
We now give them a coat upon an average about 247, which will
make 37 to be added to 407. A blanket they had in both cases.
It will from these facts be easy to infer that they then had 137 at
least per month more than now.
I have given you before a minute detail of Church's affair. I
have learnt that you are furnished with a copy of the letter, or
should not fail to send one. I am told that he continues with great
confidence, or rather impudence, to assert his innocence, and,
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, n. 94.
2 James Otis (1725-1783).
3 William Sever (1729-1809). His wife was Sarah Warren.
4 Walter Spooner (1720-1803). 5 James Bowdoin (1727-1790).
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 153
against common sense and the most flagrant evidence, to pretend
he was serving his country. JThis is, indeed, Hutchinson like,
affronting to our understandings. I have never seen him; I never
wish to again. You know I hate an apostate, I hate a traitor.
How he is to receive an adequate punishment is I suppose a ques
tion for your determination. I am sensible of the deficiencies in
your code of laws, and the objections to post facto laws; but some
thing must be done, and he made an example of, or the people
will suppose us all traitors, and lose their confidence in what we
say or do. Our House are adjusting the ceremonies of proceeding
in order of expulsion, and then will end our tether.1
I believe it is time to think of concluding this letter, or never
expecting you to wish for another; but before I do, I must and do
thank you heartily and fervently for your several letters received
by Major Bayard, the gentlemen of your committee, and yester
day by Mr. Mifflin. Tho' you communicate no secrets, I can see
and taste the traces of that extensive system of policy which
always marks your way, and which I hope will be adopted. Your
last has led me into a sea so extensive and deep, that my small
abilities have not yet been able either to fathom the bottom or
descry the shore. However, I shall rally them, and if I have vanity
enough to suppose I can strike out one particle of light on so grand
and important a subject, shall certainly attempt it in my next,
which will soon follow this, if opportunity presents. In the mean
time your maxim "God helps those who help themselves" recurs
to mind. We are in a storm and must make a port. We must exert
ourselves in some of the ways you mention. I think we must have
trade and commerce. I see no difficulty in admitting it in our own
bottoms consistently with the association, if individuals will haz
ard their interest, and opening our ports to foreigners, one or
more. If you could see me at this instant, you would think that
the embarrassments and hurry of business on hand would by no
means admit of discussions of this kind. The great objects some
of us would wish to confine our House to are, the manufacturing
salt petre and fire arms, the regulating the militia and fixing out
I Dr. Church was examined by the House October 27 and the order of expulsion was
passed November 2.
154 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
armed Vessels. The first is in a good way in Connecticut. We have
sent Doctor Whiting l there to learn the process and art, and since
his return have directed him to try the experiment here. I am not
able to inform you of his success. The next I think we shall suc
ceed in. The two others are under consideration, and a bill for the
last in great forwardness, so far as relates to individuals. We have
a difficulty with regard to the militia from a construction in our
House of your resolve, giving them a power to appoint officers.
I wish it could be explained.
The 22d. We have just heard that the pirates on the Eastern
shore have destroyed two-thirds of Falmouth burnt down, and
have orders to destroy every sea port from Boston to Pemmaquid.
This is savage and barbarous in the highest stage. What can we
wait for now? What more can we want to justifie any step to
take, kill and destroy, to refuse them any refreshments, to appre
hend our enemies, to confiscate their goods and estates, to open our
ports to foreigners, and if practicable to form alliances, etc., etc.
Hitchburne was to see me last evening. He seems distressed to
approve his conduct to us relative to the letters. Very little of a
publick kind can I learn from him more than we have from others.
He says they dread and apprehend the erecting batteries on Dor
chester Hill and Noddle's Island. The first will drive them from
their lines on the Neck, and the other make it impossible for ships
to lay in the harbour, I mean above the Castle. I wish and hope
we may be able to effect it. One piece of good news I had like to
have forgot. A Vessel is arrived at Sheepscot with a very consid
erable quantity of powder, cannon, and arms. I believe she be
longs to the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
I shall endeavour to see and form a judgment of your plan as
soon as I can procure the chart. The row gallies you have at
Philadelphia may be very serviceable in smooth water, but if I
am rightly informed would not do in a sea. No doubt such might
be constructed as would, but I am inclined to think that our can
non armed Vessels, especially as we can be so superiour in men,
and are more used to them, will answer the purpose better, if we
choose such as sail well.
i William Whiting.
i77sl Warren- Adams Letters 155
I am sensible of the importance of the question you propose
about the government of Canada. It is indeed a curious problem,
and I am glad it is in such good hands. I never expected you
would derive any advantages from the committees you mention.
The spirit of indolence is too prevalent. There is in the western
parts of this Province a lead mine of three miles in length which
affords one half pure lead. It is said the country abounds with
sulphur; we want nothing but salt petre. I trust Providence will
give us that. I cannot inclose you any of Mother Draper's papers,
they are very scarce. I think I have not seen one since that I in
closed you. I shall endeavour, however, to procure you one or
two curiosities of a like kind, and inclose without any comment,
tho' I feel somewhat inclined to it. ...
J. W.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 20, 1775
DEAR SIR, — Can the Inhabitants of North America live with
out foreign Trade?
There is Beef and Pork and Poultry, and Mutton and Venison
and Veal, Milk, Butter, Cheese, Corn, Barley Rye, Wheat, in
short, every Species of Eatables animal and Vegetable in a vast
abundance, an immense Profusion. We raise about Eleven hun
dred Thousand Bushells of Corn, yearly more than We can pos
sibly consume. The Country produces Provisions of all Kinds,
enough for the sustenance of the Inhabitants, and an immense
Surplusage.
We have Wood and Iron in plenty. We have a good Climate as
well as a fertile Soil.
But Cloa thing. If instead of raising [a] Million Bushells of Wheat
for Exportation and Rice, Tobacco, naval stores Indigo, Flaxseed,
Horses Cattle, etc., Fish, Oyl, Bone Potash etc., etc., etc., the
Hands now employed in raising surplusages of these Articles for
Exportation, were employed in raising Flax and Wool, and man
ufacturing them into Cloathing, We should be cloathed comfort
ably.
156 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
We must at first indeed Sacrifice some of our Appetites. Coffee,
Wine, Punch, Sugar, Molasses, etc. and our Dress would not be so
elegant. Silks and Velvets and Lace must be dispensed with. But
these are Trifles in a Contest for Liberty.
But is there Temperance, Fortitude and Perseverance enough
among the People to endure Such a Mortification of their Appe
tites Passions and Fancies? Is not the Merchantile Interest com
prehending Merchants Mechanicks, Labourers So numerous, and
So complicated with the landed Interest, as to produce a general
Impatience and Uneasiness, under Restrictions so severe?
By a total Cessation of Commerce sh[ould we drive] away our
Mariners? Will they not go [to the other] maritime Nations, the
French, the Spaniards, the Dutch? or, which is worse, will they
not go to England, and on Board of British Men of War?
Shall We not lose a large Property in Navigation which will
rot by the Wharves ?
On the other Hand if We give Liberty Trade, will not most of
our Vessells be seized? Perhaps all but those of the Tories who
may be priviledged. *-
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 20, 1775
DR. SIR, — The Bearer of this is John McPherson Esq. He is
a Genius — an old Sea Warriour, Nine or ten Times wounded in
Sea Fights.
He has a son in the Service — Aid de Camp to Schuyler — a
very sensible Man.
Of Mr. McPherson's Errand to the Camp ask no Questions and
I will tell you no false News. It will make a Noise in Time — but
for the present for Gods sake let not a Word be said.1
I hope all our Friends who have Opportunity will shew him
Respect.
[No signature.}
I Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 301.
Warren-Adams Letters 157
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 21, 1775
DEAR SIR, — I believe I shall surfeit you with Letters, which
contain nothing, but Recommendations of Gentlemen to your
Attention, especially as you have so many important Affairs to
take up all your Time and Thoughts.
But the Bearers are Gentlemen, who come so well recommended
to me that I could not refuse myself the Pleasure of giving them
an Opportunity of seeing my Friend Warren, of whom you must
know I am very proud. The Name of one of them is John Folwell,
the other Josiah Hart, each of them a Captain of a Company of
Militia in the County of Bucks in this Province. Mr. Joseph Hart
the Father of one of them has exerted himself with much Success
in procuring Donations for Boston.
These Travellers visit the Camp from the best Motive — that
of gaining Knowledge in the military Art by Experience, that
their Country may have the Use of it, whenever there shall be an
Opportunity.
You will greatly oblige them by giving them a Letter to General
Thomas, and by introducing them to such Persons and Places as
will best answer the honest and usefull End they have in View.
I could wish them as well as other Strangers introduced to H.
Knox and young Josiah Waters,1 if they are anywhere about the
Camp. These Young Fellows if I am not mistaken would give
strangers no contemptible Idea of the military Knowledge of
Massachusetts men] in the sublimest Chapters of the Art of War.
Salt Petre is certainly making in considerable Quantities in
several Places. I wish to know what success Dr. Whiting has.
You wonder that certain Improprieties are not felt. Well you
may. But I have done finding fault — I content myself with
blushing alone, and mourning in Secret, the Loss of Reputation
our Colony Suffers, by giving Such Samples of her Sons to the
World. Myself, remember the worst Sample of all. Pray change
it.
[No signature.]
I A surgeon's mate in the artillery.
158 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 21, 1775
DEAR SIR, — We must bend our Attention to Salt Petre. We
must make it. While B. is Mistress of the Sea and has so much
Influence with foreign Courts, We cannot depend upon a Supply
from abroad.
It is certain that it can be made here, because it is certain that
it has been formerly and more latterly. Dr. Graham, of White
Plains in the Colony of New York told me, that he has made some
thousands of Pounds Weight, many years ago, by Means of a
German Servant whom he bought and found to be good for noth
ing else.
Messrs. De Witts, one of Windham the other of Norwich, have
made a considerable Quantity, a sample of which has been shewn
me by Coll. Dyer, and they have made a large Collection of Ma
terials for making more.
Mr. Wisner l of New York, informs me that his son has made a
Quantity of very good, by the Method published by the Continen
tal Congress.
Two persons belonging to York Town in this Colony have made
one hundred and twenty Weight, have reed, the Premium and are
making more.
A Gentleman in Maryland made some last June from Tobacco
House Earth.
Mr. Randolph,2 our venerable President, affirms to me that,
every Planter almost in that Colony, has made it from Tobacco
House Earth. That the Process is so simple that a Child can
make it. It consists in nothing but making a Lixivium from the
Earth which is impregnated with it, and then evaporating the
Lixivium. That there is certainly discovered in Virginia a vast
Quantity of the Rocks of Salt Petre. That there are salt Petre
Rocks he says all Chemists and Naturalists who have written
Agree, and that he was informed by many Gentlemen in Virginia,
cautious, incredulous Men, of strict Honour and Veracity, that
1 Henry Wisner (1725-1790), a member of the Continental Congress.
2 Peyton Randolph.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 159
they have been to see the Rocks and tryed them and found them
by Experiment to be the very Rock of salt Petre.
The old Gentn. in short, who is not credulous nor inthusiastical
but very steady, solid, and grave, is as sanguine and confident as
you can conceive, that it is the Easiest Thing in the World to make
it, and that the Tobacco Colonies alone are sufficient to supply the
Continent forever.
Every Colony, My Friend, must set up Works at the public
Expence.
I am determined never to have Salt Petre out of my Mind, but
to insert some stroke or other about it in every Letter for the
future. It must be had.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 23, 1775
DEAR SIR, -- Yours of the I2th instant came to Hand Yester
day. Thank you and your good Lady for your kind Condolence,
on the loss of an excellent Mother, a Loss which is and ought to be
more particularly affecting, because there is Reason to fear that
her kind Exertions for the Relief [of] my Family when in great
Distress contributed to her Catastrophe.1 I dread to hear further
from my Family least a pestilential Infection should have seized
some other Branch of it. But will hope for better Things.
I don't Think you negligent, my Friend, having had too much
Experience of your Care and Attention. I only thought it my Duty
to omit no Opportunity to press for Accounts, etc. I wish my
other Friends were as little chargeable with Negligence as you.
I want to know a Thousand Things. What are the Prices of
European and West India Goods? how the Non Exportation is
observed? How the Prices of Provisions? Whether there is any
prospect of keeping any Trade alive, and what?
You will receive a Letter from a Comtee. whose Business it is
to prepare a compleat Narrative of the War — at least of the
Murders, Robberies, Piracies, Treasons, Felonies, Villanies, etc.
I Elizabeth (Quincy) Smith, mother of Abigail Adams. She died October I, 1775.
160 W^arren- Adams Letters [1775
of the Army and Navy. Mr. Wythe who is one, is a Virginian, a
Lawyer of high Rank at the Bar, a great Schollar, a most inde
fatigable Man and a staunch Virginian, to all appearance.
You will observe the Vote limits Us to last March. This was
done without design and I dont intend to be so limited; and
therefore I hope the two Houses will appoint a Committee upon a
larger Scale and collect Facts at least from the Port Bill, i.e. the
time when it took place. I hope neither Time, Trouble nor Expence
will be spared upon this Occasion; that an Account of the Expence
will be kept by the Province; and altho I have no authority to say
it will be paid, yet I believe it will by the Continent.
Compliments to Mrs. Warren. Tell [her] I had rather have re
ceived a Letter than a Promise of one, tho' that is valuable.
[Wo signature^
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 24, 1775
DEAR SIR, — When it is said that it is the Prerogative of om
niscience to Search Hearts, I suppose it is meant that no human
Sagacity can penetrate at all Times into Mens Bosoms and dis
cover with precise Certainty the secrets there; and in this Sense
it is certainly true.
But there is a sense in which Men may be said to be possessed
of a Faculty of Searching Hearts too. There is a Discernment com
petent to Mortals by which they can penetrate into the Minds of
Men and discover their Secret Passions, Prejudices, Habits, Hopes,
Fears, WTishes and Designs, and by this Means judge what Part
they will act in given Circumstances for the future and see what
Principles and Motives have actuated them to the Conduct they
have held in certain Conjunctures of Circumstances which are
passed.
A Dexterity and Facility of thus unravelling Mens Thoughts
and a Faculty of governing them by Means of the Knowledge we
have of them, constitutes the principal Part of the Art of a
Politician.
In a Provincial Assembly, where we know a Man's Pedigree and
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 161
Biography, his Education, Profession and Connections, as well as
his Fortune, it is easy to see what it is that governs a Man and de
termines him to this Party in Preference to that, to this System
of Politicks rather than another, etc.
But here it is quite otherwise. We frequently see Phenomena
which puzzle us.
It requires Time to enquire and learn the Characters and Con
nections, the Interests and Views of a Multitude of Strangers.
It would be an exquisite Amusement, an high Gratification of
Curiosity, this same Mystery of Politicks if the Magnitude of the
Interests and Consequences did not interest us Some times too
much.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 24, 1775
DEAR SIR, — I have only Time to acquaint you that Yesterday,
that eminent American, and most worthy Man The Honourable
Peytoun Randolph, Esqr., our first venerable President, departed
this Life in an Apoplectic Fit. He was seized at Table, having
but a few Moments before set down with a good deal of Company
to dinner. He died in the Evening, without ever recovering his
senses after the first Stroke.
As this Gentleman Sustained very deservedly One of the first
American Characters, as he was the first President of the united
Colonies, and as he was universally esteemed for his great Virtues
and shining Abilities, the Congress have determined to shew his
Memory and Remains all possible Demonstrations of Respect.
The whole Body is to attend the Funeral in as much Mourning as
our Laws will admit. The Funeral is to be tomorrow. I am the
more pleased with this Respect on Account of an Impropriety,
which you know was unfelt.1
This venerable Sage, I assure you, since he has stood upon the
same Floor with the rest of Us has rose in the Esteem of all. He
was attentive, judicious and his Knowledge Eloquence, and clas-
I The Hancock incident, p. 112, supra.
1 62 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
sical Correctness shewed Us the able and experienced Statesman
and Senator; whereas his former station had in a great Measure
concealed these and shewed Us chiefly the upright and impartial
Moderator of Debate.
You would have wondered more at the Want of [sensijbility
which you remarked if you had been here and seen, the Difference.
Mr. Randolph was as firm, stable and consistent a Patriot as
any here. The Loss must be very great to Virginia in Particular
and the Continent in general — I sometimes wonder that a sim
ilar Fate does not befall more of the Members. Minds so engaged
and Bodies so little exercised are very apt to fall.1
This goes by Mr. Gawen Brown.2
[No signature.]
SILAS DEANE, JOHN ADAMS, AND GEORGE WYTHE
TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Octr. 24, 1775
SIR, — The Congress has resolved,3 that a just Account of the
Hostilities committed by the ministerial Army and Navy, in
America, since the month of March last, be collected, with proper
Evidence of the Facts; the Number and Value of the Buildings
destroyed, the Vessells whether inward or outward bound, seized
or captivated and the Stock of all kinds, plundered, in any Part of
the Continent, as you will see by an authenticated Copy of the
Resolution, here inclosed.
It is apprehended that little need be said to shew the Utility of
this Measure. It may be necessary for our Justification, in the
Judgment of the People of Great Britain, and foreign Nations;
the Information of the Colonies and the Use of History, not to
mention any other Purpose.
Our Distance here from the Scenes of Violence makes it neces
sary for us to apply to several Assemblies, as well as private
Gentlemen for Assistance; and from your Character it is presumed,
you will chearfully yield us all the Aid in your Power.
I See Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 302. 2 Proceedings, XLVII. 289.
3 Journals of the Continental Congress, m. 298.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 163
It will be requisite that every Fact be supported by Affidavits,
authenticated by the highest Authority of the Place, where they
shall be taken.
Our Apology for giving you this Trouble, is the manifest Utility
of it, to the common Cause of the Colonies, in these Times of
public Distress and Danger. We Subscribe ourselves, with great
Respect, Sir, your most obedient and very humble Servants,
SILAS DEANE
JOHN ADAMS
GEORGE
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 25, 1775
SIR, — A Method of collecting Salt Petre from the Air which is
talked of here is this. Take of Lime and Ashes equal Quantities,
and of horse dung a Quantity equal to both the Ashes and Lime;
mix them together into a Mortar, with this Mortar, and a Quantity
of long Straw to keep it together build two Walls eighteen Inches
thick, and three feet high, about four feet asunder — then make
a Center and turn and Arch over semicircularly from the Top of
one Wall to that of the other, and this Arch may be made Eighteen
Inches thick too. These Walls with the Arch over them may be
continued to any length you please. There must be a shed over it
to keep off the Rain and the Arch must be wett every Day with
Urine. This in summer, will collect so much salt Petre that an
ounce may be extracted from every Pound of the Walls in three
months. In Winter it will make as fast provided you keep a Fire
at one End of the Arch, that the Wind may blow the Fire and
Smoke under the Arch and keep it from freezing.
This is one Method as it is affirmed by Gentlemen here.
Sulphur, Nitre and Lead We must have of our own. We must
not depend upon Navigation for these. I wish the Comtee. of the
General Court for Lead and Salt would transmit their Discoveries
to me. I don't know whether you are one of that Comtee. or not.
Pray inform me if Obrian and Carghill were or were not com-
I The body of the letter is in the writing of John Adams.
164 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
missioned by some Vote of the general Court — and whether they
cant be put into the Continental service. An order is gone to
Genl. Washington to that Purpose if it can be done.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 25th, 1775
DEAR SIR, — Upon the Receipt of the Intelligence of Dr.
[Church's] Letter, Dr. Morgan was chosen in his Room.1 This
Letter is intended to be sent by him, and therefore probably will
not go in ten days.
John Morgan a Native of this City is a Doctor of Physick, a
Fellow of the Royal Society at London; Correspondent of the
Royal Academy of Surgery at Paris; Member of the Arcadian
Belles Lettres Society at Rome; Licentiate of the Royal Colledges
of Physicians in London and in Edinburgh; and Professor of the
Theory and Practice of Medecine in the Colledge of Philadelphia.
This Gentleman served an Apprenticeship of six or seven years
under Dr. John Redman,2 an eminent Physician in this City, dur
ing which Time he had an opportunity of Seeing the Practice of all
the eminent Physicians in this City, as he attended at the Hos
pital, and for one Year made up the Prescriptions of all. After
this he devoted himself four Years to a military Life and went
into the service as a Physician and surgeon to the Troops raised
by this Colony. After this he went abroad, and spent five years
in Europe, under the most celebrated Masters in every Branch of
Medicine, and visiting the principal Cities and Seats of Science
in Great Britain, Holland, France and Italy. This Gentleman
in 1765, delivered a Discourse upon the Institution of Medical
Schools in America, at a Commencement, which was published
with a Preface, containing an Apology for attempting to introduce
the regular Mode of practising Physic in Philadelphia. Every
Winter since he has read Lectures to the students at the Colledge
as a Professor, etc.
1 Journal of Dr. John Morgan, 1764 . . . and a Biographical Sketch (1907).
2 (1722-1808)
1775] Warren* Adams Letters 165
He and our Revd. Chaplain, Mr Duche, who is now promoted
to be Rector of the three United Episcopal Churches in this City,
married two sisters,1 Mr Stillman of Boston, the Antipoedobaptist
Minister2 married Dr. Morgan's sister. The Dr.'s moral Character
is very good. Thus much, Sir I thought myself well employed in
Writing to you, who have a Curiosity after Characters. I wish I
could give a Loose to my Pencil and draw Characters for your
Inspection by the Dozen. But Letters dont always go safe. Dr.
Morgan, sir, deserves particular Honour and Respect, wherever he
goes.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 25, 1775
DEAR SIR, — Governor Ward of Rhode Island has a son about
five and twenty years old who has been so far carried away in the
Absence of his Father, with a Zeal for his Country as to inlist into
the Artillery as a private. He never said a Word to the Governor
about, or he would have had a Commission. A younger Brother,3
who solicited of his father Permission to enter the service was
made a Captain. Now it is a Pity, that this young Gentleman's
Patriotism, should not be encouraged and rewarded, and it is a
greater Pity that an Elder Brother should be a private soldier in
an Army where his younger Brother is an officer and a Captain.
And a greater Pity still that a Governor of a Province and a
worthy Member of the Continental Congress, and the Constant
Chairman of our Committee of the whole House, should have a
deserving son in the Army in the Ranks, when Multitudes of others
in Commissions have no such Pretentions.
I wish you would mention this Matter at Head Quarters and see
if any Thing can be done for him. The Governor had no Expecta
tion I believe that I should interest myself in this Matter, but the
Fact coming accidentally to my Knowledge I determined to write
about it immediately, and I know not how to set this Thing in
1 Duche married, July, 1760, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Hopkinson; and Morgan
married, September, 1765, Mary. They were sisters of Francis Hopkinson.
2 Rev. Samuel Stillman (1737-1807). 2 Proceedings, in. 42 n. 3 Samuel Ward, Jr.
1 66 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
Motion. I write every Thing to you, who know how to take me.
You dont Expect Correctness nor Ceremony from me. When I
have any Thing to write and one Moment to write it in I scratch
it off to you, who don't expect that I should dissect these Things,
or reduce them to correct Writing. You must know I have not
Time for that.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr. 28, 1775
DR. SIR, — Our Association against Importations and Exporta-
tions, from and to G. Britain, Ireland and the British West Indies,
if We consider its Influence, upon the Revenue, the Commerce, the
Manufactures and the Agriculture of the Kingdom, is a formid
able Shield of Defence for Us. It is Shearing of its Beams that
Luminary, which, in all its Glory might dazzle our feeble Sight.
But a Question arises, whether, our Association against Exporta-
tions, can be observed, so as to have its full Effect, upon Britain,
Ireland and the West Indies, unless We extend it further? We
have agreed not to export to B., I. and the W. Indies. Parliament
has made an Act that We shall not export to any other Place. So
that Trade is entirely stopped. But will not a Smuggling Trade be
opened? That is, will not Adventurers push out Vessells against
the Act of Parliament? If they do, When the Vessells are once at
Sea, will they not go to the Place where a Famine price is to be
had? The Spirit of Commerce is mercenary and avaricious, and
Merchants will go Where the Scarcity is greatest, the Demand
quickest and the Price highest.
What Security then can we have that Merchants will not order
their Vessells to the West India Islands, British or foreign, to Ire
land or even to Great Britain, in Defyance of our Association ?
Besides is there not reason to apprehend that the concealed
Tories of whom there are many in every Colony, and especially in
every maritime Town, will send their Vessels to sea, on purpose
to be taken by the Enemy, and sent to supply the Army and
Navy in America? It is true, their Vessels would be forfeited, and
T?75] Warren* Adams Letters 167
seized, and condemned no doubt; but they might be pleased with
this, and would easily obtain hereafter Compensation or Retribu
tion for this meritorious Sacrifice from the Ministry.
In short may not our association be wholly evaded and eluded,
if we don't draw it closer?1 My own opinion upon these great
Questions I may possibly give you some time or other. But I wish
to have yours.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Octr., 1775
DR. SIR, — What think you of a North American Monarchy?
Suppose We should appoint a Continental King, and a Continental
House 01 Lords, and a Continental House of Commons, to be an
nually, or triennially, or septennially elected, and in this Way
make a Supreme American Legislature? This is easily done you
know by an omnipotent Continental Congress; and when once
effected, His American Majesty may appoint a Governor for every
Province, as his Brittannic Majesty used to do, and Lt. Governor
and Secretary and judge of Admiralty. Nay, his Continental Ma
jesty may appoint the Judges of the Supream Courts, etc., too; or
if his American Majesty should condescend to permit the provin
cial Legislatures, or Assemblies [may] nominate two, three or four
Persons, out of whom he should select a Governor; and 3 or 4 Men
for Chief Justice, etc., out of whom he should choose one, would
not this do, nicely?
To his Continental Majesty in his Continental Privy Council,
Appeals might lie, from all Admiralty Cases, and from all civil
Causes personal at least, of a certain Value. And all Disputes
about Land, that is about Boundaries of Colonies, should be set
tled by the Continental King and Council, as they used to be by
the British K. and Council. What a magnificent system?
I assure you this is no Chimsera of my own. It is whispered
about in Coffee Houses, etc., and there are who wish it.
i See resolves passed by the Continental Congress, November I, in Journals oj ike Con
tinental Congress, in. 314, 316.
1 68 W'arren- Adams Letters [1775
I am inclined to think it is done as one Artifice more to divide
the Colonies. But in vain. It would be very curious to give you
an History of the out-a-Door Tricks for this important End of di
viding the Colonies. Last Fall the Quakers and Antipoedobaptists
were conjured up to pick a Quarrell with Massachusetts; last
Spring the Land Jobbers were stimulated to pick a Quarrell with
Connecticutt for the same End. The Quakers and Anabaptists
were hushed and abashed, or rather the reasonable conscientious
Part of them were convincd in one evening. The Land Jobbers
will meet no better success.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, October 28, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I did not hear till yesterday in the afternoon
that Colonel Reed had any intention to leave us so soon, and begin
his journey to Philadelphia on this day. The first reflection on
this occasion was that he would be missed here. I have formed an
excellent opinion of him as a man of sense, politeness and abilities
for business. He has done us great service. He is, I might add,
strongly attached to the public cause of America. But all this you
know, and perhaps more of his character than I do. I shall there
fore only say that I regret his leaving us, and shall wish for his
return. The next reflection was that I must embrace the opportu
nity to write to you. For that purpose I assigned the evening, but
unluckily the House set till eight o'clock and prevented me.
Church had a hearing before us yesterday, which took us nearly
the whole day.1 After he withdrew there was a motion for a sus
pension of any judgment upon him, least it might influence his
court or jury upon his trial. Another motion that we should
accept a resignation he had made by letter, and accompany it
with a resolve that we should save our honour, and not injure him
in the trial. The end of the whole matter was appointing a com
mittee to report how to proceed. I have now only time to thank
you for your kind letters by Mr. Tracy, which I received a few days
I Church's account of this examination is in I Mass, Hist. Collections, i. 84.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 169
ago, and those by Captain Macpherson, which came to hand yes
terday. You have obliged me extreamly; they have edified, com
forted, strengthened and encouraged. I feel like a new man. I
have not seen the bearer of the last; shall try to see him this after
noon. We have no kind of news. Time won't permit me to say
anything on the important subject of your letters, but to compen
sate you for any observations of mine I shall inclose what I guess
wiUbe much more agreeable. The author has stole an hour now and
then since we came to town to proceed so far as you'll see, on pur
pose to unbend your mind a little, by amusements of a poetical
kind well knowing you have a taste for them. You have the two
acts in print, you wrote for last summer, and two subsequent ones
and the Epilogue. The whole are at your disposition. . . .l
I forgot to tell you that the powder arrived in our vessel at the
eastward has got from ninety tons by various gradations to seven
and one half, which I think I gave you as the true account, being
what I thought I could rely on; and from thence to fifteen hundred
and from thence to six hundred, which I believe is the true one,
tho' I can't say that it won't descend to three Ibs.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Novr. 4th, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I thank you heartily for your very acceptable
Letter of the 23 of October by Fessenden. It is very afflicting to
hear the universal Complaint of the Want of that most necessary
Article, Gunpowder, and especially in the Camp before Boston.
I hope however that this Want will soon be supplied, and God
grant that a good Use may be made of it. The Congress yesterday
was presented with the Colors of the seventh Regiment taken in
Fort Chamblee, which is surrendered to Major Brown. The Ac
quisition of 1 24 Barrils of Powder gives a happy Turn to our Affairs
in that Quarter the Success of which I almost began to despair of.
The Gentlemen who have lately returned 2 from the Camp may,
perhaps all of them entertain a favorable Opinion of our Colony —
I may possibly be partial in saying, not more favorable than it de-
I The Group. 2 Their report was laid before Congress, November I.
170 Warren-Adams Letters [1775
serves. Be that as it may, the Congress have judgd it necessary
to continue the Establishment of the Men's pay, and to enlarge
that of the Captains and Lieutenants. In Addition to the Conti
nental Army four new Batallions are to be raised, viz, three for
the Defence of South Carolina and one for Georgia.1 These with
looo Men before orderd for North Carolina, with the Assistance
of provincial Forces, it is hoped will be sufficient to defend the
three Southernmost Colonies.
It is recommended to N. Hampshire to form a Government to
their own liking, during this Contest;2 and S. Carolina3 is allowd
to do the same if they judge it necessary. I believe the Time is
near when the most timid will see the absolute Necessity of every
one of the Colonies setting up a Government within itself.
No Provisions or Produce is to be exported from any of the
united Colonies to any part of the World till the first of March
except for the Importation of the Unum Necessarium, and for
Supplys from one Colony to another, under the Direction of Com
mittees, and a further Exception of live Stock. Under the last
Head, and Horses are allowd to be sent to the foreign West Indies.
We shall by the Spring know the full Effect of our Non-exporta
tion Agreement in the West Indies. Perhaps Alliances may then
be formed with foreign Powers, and Trade opened to all the World
Great Britain excepted.
You will possibly think I have set myself down to furnish a few
Paragraphs for Edes and Gills paper, and what is more that I am
betraying the Secrets of Congress. I confess I am giving my
Friend as much Information as I dare, of things which are of such
a Nature as that they cannot long be kept secret, and therefore
I suppose it never was intended they should be. I mention them
however in Confidence that you will not publish them. I wish I
was at Liberty to tell you many of the Transactions of our body,
but I am restraind by the Ties of Honor; and though it is painful
to me, you know, to keep Secrets, I will not violate my Honor to
relieve myself or gratify my Friend. [Nine lines are here erased,
apparently after the receipt of the letter.] But why have I told you
1 See the Journals of the Continental Congress, November 4 in. 321.
2 Ib., 319, under date November 3. 3 /£., 326, under date November 4.
Warren- Adams Letters 17
so trifling a Story, for which I cannot forgive my self till I have
askd forgiveness of you. We live in a most important Age, which
demands that every Moment should be improvd to some serious
Purpose. It is the Age of George the Third; and to do Justice to
our most gracious King, I will affirm it as my Opinion, that his
Councils and Administration will necessarily produce the grandest
Revolutions the World has ever yet seen. The Wheels of Provi
dence seem to be in their swiftest Motion. Events succeed each
other so rapidly that the most industrious and able Politicians
can scarcely improve them to the full purposes for which they
seem to be designd.
You must send your best Men here; therefore recall me from
this Service. Men of moderate Abilities, especially when weak-
end by Age are not fit to be employed in founding Empires.
Let me talk with you a little about the Affairs of our own Col
ony. I persuade my self, my dear friend, that the greatest Care and
Circumspection will be used to conduct its internal Police with
Wisdom and Integrity. The Eyes of Mankind will be upon you,
to see whether the Government, which is now more popular than
it has been for many years past, will be productive of more Virtue
moral and political. We may look up to Armies for our Defence,
but Virtue is our best Security. It is not possible that any State
should long continue free, where Virtue is not supremely honord.
This is as seasonably as it is justly said by one of the most cele
brated Writers of the present time. Perhaps the Form of Govern
ment now adopted may be permanent; Should it be only temporary,
the golden Opportunity of recovering the Virtue and reforming the
Manners of our Country should be industriously improvd.
Our Ancestors laid an excellent Foundation for the Security of
Liberty, by setting up in a few years after their Arrival, a publick
Seminary of Learning; and by their Laws, they obligd every Town
consisting of a certain Number of Families to keep and maintain
a Grammar School. I should be much grievd if it should be true as
I am informd, that some of our Towns have dismissd their School
masters, alledging that the extraordinary Expence of defending
the Country renders them unable to support them. I hope this In
attention to the Principles of our wise forefathers does not prevail.
172 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
If there should be any Danger of it, would not the leading Gentle
men do eminent Service to the Publick, by impressing upon the
Minds of the People, the Necessity and Importance of encour
aging that System of Education, which in my opinion, is so well
calculated to diffuse among the Individuals of the Community,
the Principles of Morality, so essentially necessary for the Preser
vation of publick Liberty. There are Virtues and Vices which are
properly called political. "Corruption, Dishonesty to one's Coun
try, Luxury and Extravagance tend to the Ruin of States." The
opposite Virtues tend to their Establishment. But "there is a
Connection between Vices as well as Virtues, and one opens the
Door for the Entrance of another." Therefore "Every able Poli
tician will guard against other Vices" and be attentive to promote
every Virtue. He who is void of Virtuous Attachment in private
Life, is, or very soon will be void of all Regard to his Country.
There is seldom an Instance of a Man guilty of betraying his
Country, who had not before lost the feeling of moral Obligation
in his private Connections. Before C[hurc]h was detected of
holding a criminal Correspondence with the Enemies of his Coun
try, his Infidelity to his Wife had been notorious. Since private
and publick Vices, though not always apparently, are in Reality
so nearly connected, of how much Importance, how necessary is it,
that the utmost pains be taken by the Publick, to have the Prin
ciples of Virtue early inculcated on the Minds even of Children,
and the moral Sense universally kept alive, and that the wise
Institutions of our -Ancestors for those great Purposes be encour-
agd by the Government. For no People will tamely surrender
their Liberties, nor can they easily be subdued, where Knowledge
is diffusd and Virtue preservd. On the Contrary, when People are
universally ignorant and debauched in their Manners, they will
sink under their own Weight, without the Aid of foreign Invaders.
There are other things which, I humbly conceive, require the
most serious Consideration of the Legislative. We have heretofore
complaind, and I think justly, that bad Men have too often found
their Way into places of publick Trust. "Nothing is more essen
tial to the Establishment of Manners in a State, than that all
Persons employd in Places of Power and Trust be Men of exem-
Warren-Adams Letters 173
plary Characters. The Publick cannot be too curious concerning
the Characters of Publick Men." We have also complaind, that
a Plurality of Places incompatible with each other have some
times been vested in one Person. If under the former Administra
tion there was no Danger to be apprehended from vesting the
different Powers of Government in the same Persons, why did the
Patriots so loudly protest against it? If Danger is always to be
apprehended from it, should we not by continuing the Practice,
too much imitate the degenerate Romans, who upon the Fall of
Julius set up Augustus? They changd indeed their Masters, and
when they had destroyd the Tyrant sufferd the Tyranny to con
tinue. Tell me how a Judge of Probate can consistently sit at the
Council Board and joyn in a Decision there upon an appeal from
his own Judgment? Perhaps, being personally interested in an
other Appointment, I may view it with a partial Eye. But you
may well remember that the Secretary of the Colony declind tak
ing a Seat at the Council Board, to which he had been elected
prior to his Appointment, until, in the House of Representatives
he had publickly requested their opinion of the Propriety of it, and
there heard it explicitly declared by an eminent and truly patriot-
ick Member as his Opinion, that as the Place was not then as it
formerly had been, the Gift of the Crown but of the People, there
was no Impropriety in his holding it. The rest of the Members
were silent. Major H[awle]y has as much of the stern Virtue and
Spirit of a Roman Censor as any Gentleman I ever conversd
with.1 The Appointment of the Secretary and his Election to a
Seat at the Board were both made in the Time of his Absence
from the Colony and without the Solicitation of any of his Friends
that he knew of — most assuredly without his own.2 As he is re-
solvd never wittingly to disgrace himself or his Country, he still
employs his Mind on the Subject, and wishes for your candid and
impartial Sentiments.
I fear I have trespassd on your Leisure, and conclude, with
assuring you that I am with sincere Regards to Mrs. Warren,
your very affectionate Friend
S. A.
I See Proceedings, xux. 79. 2 Referring to himself.
174 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
November 7th Your kind Letter of the 26th of October by Coll.
Read was brot to me last Evening. Our Friend Mr. J. A. and my
self were highly entertaind with the Papers inclosd in your Letter
to him. It is wonderful to me that there should be any Difficulty
about the Expulsion of Church. I intend to write to you by
Doctor Morgan who will leave this City in a few days. Adieu.
S. A.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Novr. 5, 1775
DEAR SIR, — The Committee have returned, and I think well
pleased with their Reception as well as with what they saw and
heard. Impressions, have been made upon them either by the
New England Gentlemen, or at Head Quarters, much to the Ad
vantage of our Cause, I assure you. Their Return has contributed
much to Harmony and Unanimity, in all smaller Matters, in the
great material Questions there was enough of them before.
I am under great obligations to you for your Attentions to me.
Shall answer your Letters as soon as Time will admit, but I assure
you I am very busy. I am obliged to trouble you with Enquiries
concerning Subjects which you understand very well and I know
nothing of.
I want to know what is become of the Whalemen, Codfishers,
and other Seamen belonging to our Province, and what Number
of them you imagine might be inlisted into the service of the Con
tinent, or of the Province, or of private Adventurers in Case a
Taste for Privateering and a maritime Warfare should prevail,
whether you think that two or three Battalions of Marines could
be easily inlisted in our Province.
What Ships, Brigantines, Schooners, suitable for armed Vessells
might be purchased or hired, and at what Prices in our Province,
what their Burthen, Depth of Water, Length of Keel, Breadth,
hight between Decks, Age, etc., and to whom they belong?
What Places are most suitable, that is safest and best accommo
dated, for building new Vessells, if any should be wanted; and what
shipwrights may be had, and in what Time Vessells compleated?
i?75] Warren-Adams Letters 175
But above all, what Persons, their Names, Ages, Places of
Abode and Characters, may be found in our Province who might
be qualified to serve as Commanders and Officers, etc.
These are necessary Enquiries, and I am very ill qualified to
make them, yet to tell you a secret in Confidence, it has become
my Duty. There is a Disposition prevailing to spare no Pains or
Expence, in the necessary Defence of our Rights by sea or Land.
The News you will see in the Papers, give you Joy of the good
Prospect to the Northward.
New Hampshire has Permission to establish what Form of
Government they like best, and so has S. Carolina and so will
every other Colony which shall ask for it which they all will do
soon, if the Squabble continues.
New England will now be able to exert her Strength and if I
ken it right, it will be found to be that of a full grown Man, no
Infant.
Who expected to live to see the Principles of Liberty Spread
and prevail so rapidly, human Nature exerting her whole Rights,
unshackled by Priests or Kings or Nobles, pulling down Tyrannies
like Sampson, and building up, what Governments the People
think best framed for human Felicity.
God grant the Spirit, success.
My best Respects to your good Lady, will write her as soon as
possible.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, November 5, 1775
The prices of European and West India goods are, notwithstand
ing our resolves, much advanced. Trade will have its course.
Goods will rise and fall in proportion to the demand for them, and
the quantity at market, etc., in spite of laws, honor, patriotism,
or any other principle. The people however seem to have forgot
their expectations, and the injunctions laid on the merchant, and
little is said about it.
176 W'arren- Adams Letters [1775
The non-exportation is sacredly observed, and I believe [has]
never been violated in a single instance; and such is the spirit here,
that it cannot be violated with any degree of safety. Provisions
are plenty and cheap, beef is a drug, and our people complain much
that the Commissary sends to Connecticut for all his beef. I think
it but fair that he should give this Colony a chance in that article
at least, especially as we are to supply the army with hay and
wood, which our people say they can't do and keep their cattle
now fat over the winter. This has occasioned great difficulty here.
The General has offered 5/ per [cwt] for hay, and 20 / per cord for
wood, and cannot be supplied. This he imputes to a monopolizing,
avaritious spirit, and perhaps not wholly without foundations.1
The prices are indeed high, but the people have much to say, and
among other things ask why that spirit should be confined to
those articles, and why cyder is to be had at 4/ per barrel. In the
meantime the army has suffered much for want of wood, and the
officers have not been able to restrain them from cutting down the
fine groves of Cambridge and threatning to pull down houses for
fuel. The General has made repeated applications to us. We at
last set ourselves seriously to remedy the evil, which perhaps
might terminate in breaking up the army. We spent the whole of
last Fryday and evening on the subject. We at last chose a com
mittee2 in aid to the Quartermaster general to purchase those
articles and impowered them to enter the wood lots of the Refugees,
cut, stack, and procure teams to carry to the camp wood as fast as
possible, and hay as soon as they can get it. The teams are passing
all day, and I hope this step will be a radical cure.
Your next question is with regard to trade, a subject compli
cated, vast and unsounded. When I consider the great abundance
we have of the necessaries and conveniences of life, that we want
nothing but salt petre and I hope we are in a way to get that, I
could wish a total stop was put to all trade. But when I consider
the temper and genius of the people, the long habits they have
been used to, I fear it would produce uneasiness and bad conse-
1 See his letter to Joseph Reed, November 28, 1775, in Writings of Washington (Ford),
in. 246.
2 Journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), November 3, 1775.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 177
quences. I believe therefore you will find it necessary to indulge so
much as will not endanger the success of your commercial meas
ures. If the merchant will run the hazard, so much may tend to
conciliate the affections of other nations, and unite them with us
on principles of interest, the strongest of all principles in these
degenerate days. I am sensible many important questions may
arise on this head, too many and too important for my abilities,
or opportunities to discuss at present. I am extreamly pleased
with the appointment of the committee you mention, and with the
committee itself. I believe this business will produce great conse
quences. You may be assured I shall exert myself to have your
expectations and wishes complied with, both with regard to time
and manner.
Macpherson is yet here, but I dare not ask questions. Nothing
transpires, and whether any plan is adopted or not can't inform
you. We have no news here; all things remain in statu quo. The
enemy, I mean their army, are quiet, and we watch them. Bar
racks are building for our troops, and many of them are ready to
receive them. The whole will be compleated in the course of this
month; and indeed it is time; the season is rainy and cold. The
pirates continue to rove about and threaten our seaports. They
made an attempt to go into Plymouth, but were discouraged by
the appearance of the harbour, returned and reported to the
Admiral that it was not fit to receive King's ships. Our people are,
however, preparing for them, if they alter their minds. Our
Assembly have established salt petre works at Newburyport,
under the direction of a committee, Doctor Whiting, John Peck,
Deacon Baker and one Phips,1 the last of whom is said to be an
adept that way, and have given a bounty of \l per pound to any
man that shall make fifty pounds or upwards, this bounty to con
tinue to next June. We have also taken care to encourage the man
ufacture of fire arms. Thus far we have done well, but our militia
is still in a miserable unsettled situation. This principally or wholly
arises from a dispute between the two Houses. We claim an equal
right with them in the appointment of the field officers. This claim
I Jedidiah Phips, of Sherburn. Journals oj the House of Representatives (Mass.), Novem
ber I, 1775.
178 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
we ground on your resolutions, which will bear very fairly that
construction, and is certainly the most eligible constitution, and
say that if that is not the true construction we, that deserve as
large privileges as any people, are not on an equal footing with the
other Colonies. The Board contend for the exclusive right, plead
the Charter, and assert the prerogative with as much zeal, pride
and hauteur of dominion as if the powers of monarchy were vested
in them and their heirs, by a divine, indefeasible right. This is
indeed curious, to see a Council of this Province contending for
the dirty part of the Constitution, the prerogative of the Governor.
How it is to end, or when, I know not.1 I wish they had in the
exercise of powers we don't dispute with them, made appoint
ments in some instances less exceptionable than they have. You
will hardly expect to hear after what I last wrote you that Paine
is appointed a judge, but so it is. At a time when I least expected,
he was appointed, it is said, by the influence of Hawley. Spooner,
Foster, and I believe Palmer, were the principle conductors. The
rank is thus, John Adams, Esqr. Chief Justice, Cushing, Read,
Paine, Sargeant.2 Now we shall see if he will act in an inferiour
station to his superiour. The people at the eastward are apprehen
sive the enemy intend to possess themselves of an advantageous
post at Falmouth, and hold that place and secure the harbour. . . .
Doctor Church is expelled by almost an unanimous vote.
Favourable accounts from the western army; doubtless you have
the whole.
Is it not time for a test act? Will the Continent have one from
the Congress? How long are we to wait for the success of the peti
tion? I long to hear of the [illegible]. A good devise to furnish the
1 Writing to Mrs. Warren, December 13, Mrs. Winthrop said of a previous letter which
had not reached its destination: "It was an endeavor to remove some unfavorable impres
sions I thought a late dispute had made upon you; and as I had a free conversation with
one of the Board, I aimed at giving you the same light he gave me. He assured me their
conduct did not proceed from a fondness for the exercise of prerogative, or an attachment
to their power; but from a conviction that they were obliged to act as they did in order to
conform to the fundamental resolve of the Congress on which this Government was set up;
and he did not doubt every member of the Board are as hearty friends to the liberties of the
people as ever they were, and willing the dispute be determined in favor of the house.
Query, whether misunderstandings do not often proceed from want of opportunity for an
e c lairc issement ? " MS.
2 William Cushing (1732-1810), William Reed ( -1780), and Nathaniel Peaslee Sar
gent (1731-1791). Robert Treat Paine did not accept.
*775] W^arren- Adams Letters 179
capital article. You will see in our papers Howe's proclamation
and an association.
November 7. ... We shall rise, perhaps tomorrow or next day.1
We have some thoughts of coming to a new choice of delegates this
setting. I could wish to have it put off to hear from you. I can't
think of a list without your name in it. If we make any change,
who[m] shall we get? I do not expect to be suited. One of the
enemies vessels, bound to N[ova] Scotia with a cargo to purchase
provisions, taken and carried into Beverly. Another of them on
shore at Cape Cod, with one hundred and twenty pipes of wine,
etc. So we get a supply of turtle, wine, and all the delicacies that
luxury can wish. I congratulate you on the success at Chamblee.
The bell rings, I must go.
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, November, 1775
DEAR MARCIA, — I hope the Historick page will increase to a
volume, tis this hope that has kept me from complaining of my
friends Laconick Epistles. Our amiable Friend 2 who lately
favourd me with a visit, informd you I Suppose of the difficulty I
Labourd under, of a Whitlow upon the forefinger of my right
Hand, which prevented my writing to my dearest Friend, and to
her who holds, one of the first places among the female Friends of
Portia.
I have to acknowledge the kind care of both my Friends in the
conveyance of Letters. I feel Loth the House should rise whilst
the Congress Sits. But was not there some Mistake in the Last
Letters, has not your Friend one which must have been meant for
me, by a mistake in the Superscription? I enclose the Letter.
I read it, not regarding the dear Sir, but could not comprehend
how I came to have such a reply to a Subject I had said very little
upon. Upon Nabby's taking it into her hand she observed the
address.
I am curious to know how you Spend your time? tis very sausy
1 The House did not rise until the nth.
2 Hannah Winthrop. Her visit occurred before November 5.
180 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
to make this demand upon you, but I know it must be usefully
imployd and I am fearful if I do not question you I shall loose some
improvement which I might otherways make.
What becomes of the State prisoner? * is he not to have a trial?
When weighd in the balance I fear he will be found wanting. A
patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox as
an honest Man without the fear of God. Is it possible that he
whom no moral obligations bind can have any real Good Will
towards Man, can he be a patriot who by an openly vicious con
duct is undermineing the very bonds of Society, corrupting the
Morals of Youth and by his bad example injuring that very Coun
try he professes to patronize more than he can possibly compen
sate by his intrepidity, Generosity and honour? The Scriptures
tell us righteousness exalteth a Nation.
I wish there was more of it to be seen among all orders and pro
fessions, but the Continental Connexion will not improve the
Morals of our Youth. A little less swearing at our New England
puritanism would be full as honorary to our Southern Brethren.
I thank you my Friend for your invitation but cannot comply
with it tho my inclination is very strong. I want to see my
Friends and hear our worthy Dr. Pray be so kind as to present
my regards to Dr Winthrop and Lady. She desired me to write
to her. I wish my Friend would let her know that I can better
reply to a favour from her than begin a correspondence, tho I
should esteem it an honour. But Marcia can witness for me how
averse I have been to writing.
I lament the Death of the Worthy president as of an honest
I Church. On November II the House adopted the following report and resolution:
"Whereas it appears to this House, that Dr. Benjamin Church, late a Member thereof,
by his past Conduct has discovered himself to be Inimical to the United American Colonies,
and has laid himself open in their Opinion to a Criminal Prosecution for his past Conduct,
in holding a traiterous Correspondence with our Enemies: And whereas the Court-Martial
in whose Custody he now is from the Want of a suitable Provision in the Continental
Articles of War, may be unable to bring the said Church to condign Punishment; and the
setting him at Liberty may be attended with dangerous Consequences to the Cause of
America: therefore,
" Resolved, That the honorable the Council of this Colony be, and they hereby are desired
to take suitable Measures for causing the said Benjamin Church, in Case of his being lib
erated from his present Confinement, to be apprehended and secured, and that such further
Measures with respect to him may be pursued as the Security of this People loudly De
mands, and the Laws of this Colony will justify."
*775] Warren- Adams Letters 181
Man. Mr. Randolph's character has secured him esteem. How
well might some folks have saved their credit and their Bacon too
(as the phraze is) by a resignation of a certain place.1
O Ambition, how many inconsistent actions dost thou make
poor mortals commit!
Adieu, my Friend. I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing
you at Braintree and of a Social Evening beside our fire. How
happy should I esteem myself could the dear Friend of my Heart
join us. I think I make a greater Sacrifice to-the publick than I
could by Gold and Silver, had I it to bestow. Does not Marcia
join in this Sentiment with her
PORTIA
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, November 14, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I last evening received yours by Captain Gist,
and this morning by Fessenden. It gives me great pleasure to see
things in such a fine way, and you in such choice spirits. I con
gratulate you on the taking of St. John's. This news Fessenden
brings with him from Hartford. This gives us great spirits. He
says likewise that Arnold was within twelve miles of Quebec.
You must know that our anxiety for him and his party has been
great. Last night I was at Head quarters, where accounts were
received that one Colonel Enos 2 of Connecticut, with three com
panies he commanded as a rear guard, had come off and left him,
while advanced thirty miles ahead, and perhaps at Chaudiere
Pond. This officer certainly deserves hanging. It will always give
me great pleasure to be able to give you any information. Great
numbers of the Whalemen are gone on voyages which we permit
ted, after having taken bonds for the landing their oil and bone in
some port here other than Boston and Nantucket, some of them
are in the army, and sea coast service^jiajiy of them, and the
greater part of our fishermen and seame^^kprne and in no serv-
1 Probably a hit at Hancock.
2 Roger Enos (1729-1808). He was court-martialed, but acquitted "with honor," and
retired from the army. He later accepted a commission of brigadier general in the Ver
mont militia.
1 82 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
ice, earnestly wishing to be employed in the privateering business.
What numbers might be inlisted on that service I can't readily
compute, but I have no difficulty in supposing that at least three
battalions might be raised in this Colony. The taste for it runs
high here. As to ships and other vessels, I believe there are great
numbers very suitable to arm already on hand. Almost every port
of any consequence could furnish more or less, either great or
small. Perhaps ships might be difficult to find that could mount
twenty guns or upwards; but vessels to carry from six to sixteen
guns I think we abound in, and I think they would soon furnish
us with others. These vessels are of all burthens, drafts of water,
and dimensions, and are many of them excellent sailors, and may
be either purchased, or hired, on very reasonable terms. I think
the General gives only 5/4 per ton per month. I am not acquainted
at Haverhill, Newberry, etc., but from what I have heard, vessels
might be built there, safe and with great despatch; and perhaps
at Kennebeck and North River, etc., etc. We have no want of the
best shipwrights. As to the time for compleating them, much will
depend on the winter; but they may be ready as soon as wanted
in the Spring, if immediately engaged in. As for your next ques
tion, the names, etc., of those fit to command, I am not quite so
ready to answer. You know we have not practised privateering
so much here as they have in some of the other colonies, and it is- a
business I never was concerned in; but I have no doubt that
many fine fellows can be found, who have been masters of vessels
and at some time in their lives served on board men of war and
privateers. I have one Captain Samson1 in my employ, who has
served in both, and particularly with Captain Macpherson the
last war. Him I would venture a vessel with. There is Souter,2
who you know. Time won't permit me to recollect many others,
but from the nature and circumstances of this Colony, there must
be many. I will endeavour to recollect some for my next. I am glad
to see the policy of C^^ress turned this way, and to see you en
gaged. You must k^^V think you qualified for any thing you
will undertake.^ I congratulate South Carolina and New Hamp-
1 Simeon Sampson, of Plymouth, captain of the brigantine Independence in 1776.
2 Daniel Souther, captain of the brig Massachusetts in 1776.
!775] Warren- Adams Letters 183
shire on the indulgence shewn them by the Congress. I hope they
will improve it to the best advantage. I wish for the time when we
shall all have the same liberty. Our situation must be more irk
some than ever. To be surrounded on all sides with governments
founded on proper principles, and constituted to promote the free
and equal liberty and happiness of mankind, while we are plagued
with a constitution where the prerogative of the crown and the
liberty of the subject are eternally militating, and in the very for
mation of which the last is but a secondary consideration to the
first. Indeed, my friend, I am sick of our constitution, more so
than ever. [I] have seen enough lately to make me so. I hate the
name of our charter, which fascinates and shackles us. I hate the
monarchical part of our government, and certainly you would
more than ever, if you knew our present monarchs. But many of
them you have no idea of; they are totally changed since you left
us, divers of them I mean. They have got a whirl in their brains,
imagine themselves kings, and have assumed every air and pomp
of royalty but the crown and scepter. You might search Prince-
town, Brookline, Wrentham, Braintree and several other towns,
without finding a man you could possibly know, or suppose to have
been chose a councillor here by the freemen of this Colony, no
longer ago than last July, and for no longer a time than next May.
I shall not trouble you with any further and more particular ac
count than I have already given, of a dispute the last session be
tween the two Houses, much to our disadvantage and disgrace,
having seen a copy of a letter from Gerry to you by Revere, when
the matter seemed to be fully taken up. The Court was adjourned
last Saturday to the 29th instant, after having extended your com
mission for one month, to the last of January. We were not ready
to come to a choice, and was afraid to postpone to the first of the
next sitting, so near the expiration of the time. I shall be utterly
at a loss, for three men do advise me.
November 1 5th. I expected to have had the roar of cannon this
morning, and some news from the army^j^ have given you. Our
army were prepared to intrench on Cobble Hill and on Lechmore's
Point last night. I suppose the weather has prevented. I hear
nothing of it this stormy morning. What numbers of new recruits
184 IVarren- Adams Letters [1775
are arrived, we can't learn. It is generally thought not many of
them. Though there has been appearances of fleets in the Bay. I
wish this storm may put some of the transports upon the rocks and
quicksands.
You will learn by Revere the general state of things here, the
movements and success of our land and naval force, particularly
an account of the several prizes made. A number of letters and
the King's proclamation, taken in one of them, will give you a
general view of their whole system with regard to America. I
think your Congress can be no longer in any doubts and hesitancy
about taking capital and effectual strokes. We shall certainly
expect it. It is said that the delicacy of modern civilization will
not admit of foreign powers, while you continue to acknowledge a
dependency on Britain or Britain's King, having any connection
with you. Let us so far accomodate ourselves to their small policy
as to remove this obstacle. I want to see trade (if we must have it)
open, and a fleet here to protect it in opposition to Britain. Is the
ancient policy of France so lost or dwindled that they will lose the
golden opportunity. We must have a test, that shall distinguish
Whigs from Tories, etc., etc. I have a thousand things to say to
you; I want to see you. I want you there, and I want you here.
What shall I do without you and my friend Adams at Congress?
And yet you are both wanted here. I believe you must stay there;
I mean, belong to that body once more. . . . She [Mrs. Warren]
sits at the table with me, will have a paragraph of her own- says
you "should no longer piddle at the threshold. It is time to leap
into the theatre, to unlock the bars, and open every gate that im
pedes the rise and growth of the American republic, and then let
the giddy potentate send forth his puerile proclamations to France,
to Spain and all the commercial world who may be united in build
ing up an Empire which he can't prevent."
At leisure then may G[eor]ge his reign review,
And bid to empire and to crown adieu.
For lordly rsBfcates and despotic kings
Are obsolete like other quondam things.
Whether of ancient or more modern date,
Alike both K[injgs and Kinglings must hate. Extempore.
Warren- Adams Letters 185
... I admire the character you give Doctor Morgan. I think it
will do honour to the station he is to fill. You need not fear proper
regard will be paid to him. I love to see characters drawn by your
pencil; the more dozens you give me the more agreeable. I have a
great respect for Governor Ward and his family. I will agreeable
to your desire mention his son at Head quarters tomorrow. The
method of making salt petre you mention, if to be depended on, is
simple and easy in the moderate seasons. I could wish to hear
more of it, and also of the rocks. I am not of the committee for
sulphur, etc. I will look them up, and urge them to forward their
discoveries to you. I believe Obrian is commissioned, and Carghill
in a sort commissioned. There will be no difficulty in having them
in the service of the Continent; the General may easily execute his
order. I am very sensible of the mercenary avaritious spirit of
merchants. They must be watched. We oblige all to give bonds, but
how to guard against throwing themselves in the way to be taken
has puzzled us. But such is the spirit here for preserving inviolate
the Association, that a man must have indisputable evidence that
his being taken was unavoidable, or never shew his head again.
Upon this I at present rely. However, very few vessels except
whalemen are gone, and very few have any intentions to go, unless
to the southern colonies; and their characters must be so well
established as to obtain certificates from our committees, who are
not yet corrupted. I apprehend more danger from other places.
I think the Association can't be too close drawn. We had better
have no trade than suffer inconveniences from the interested
tricks of Tories, or even merchants, who pretend to be well prin
cipled, and yet are governed by interest alone. I believe you have
a curious set of politicians in your Coffee-House. The system you
mention is an instance of it; a magnificent one, indeed too much
so for you and I, who I dare say will ever be content to be excused
from the two most superb branches, the first more especially.
I hope the tricks of these people will never answer their purposes.
The Union is every thing. With it we shall do every thing, without
it nothing. . . .
November i6th. No news this morning. I think all things on
our side look well and pleasing. I can't however but feel a little
1 86 Warren-didams Letters [1775
uneasy, till our army has got settled on the new plan. The General
has many difficulties with officers and soldiers. His judgment and
firmness I hope will carry him through them. He is certainly the
best man for the place he is in, important as it is, that ever lived.
One source of uneasiness is that they are not paid four weeks to a
month. There are some grounds for it. I believe they inlisted here
in expectation of it, as it has been at all times the invariable cus
tom in our armies and garrisons. I could wish the Congress had
settled it so. Where are the articles of confederation? I want to
see some settled constitution of Congress. . . .
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Deer. 3, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I have only Time to acquaint you that Con
gress have ordered the Arrears of Pay to be discharged to the sol
diers and one Months Advance Pay to be made.1 No Bounty
nor any Allowance for Lunar Months. I have a Thousand Things
to say — but no Time. Our Army must be reconciled to these
Terms, or We shall be ruined for what I know. The Expences
accumulating upon the Continent are so vast and boundless that
We shall be bankrupt if not frugal.
I lately had an opportunity, suddenly, of mentioning two very
deserving officers, Thomas Crafts, Junior, who now lives at
Leominster, and George Trot, who lives at Braintree, to be, the
first a Lt. Coll, the second a Major of the Regiment of Artillery
under Coll. Knox. These are young Men under forty, excellent
officers, very modest, civil, sensible, and of prodigious Merit as
well as Suffering in the American Cause. If they are neglected I
shall be very mad, and kick and bounce like fury. Congress have
ordered their Names to be sent to the General, and if he thinks
they can be promoted without giving Disgust and making Un
easiness in the Regiment, to give them Commissions.2
Gen. Washington knows neither of them; they have too much
Merit and Modesty to thrust themselves forward and solicit, as
has been the Manner of too many. But they are excellent officers,
I journals oj the Continental Congress, in. 394. 2 Ib., in. 399.
^775] Warren- Adams Letters 187
and have done great Things, both in the political and military
Way. In short vast Injustice will be done if they are not provided
for.1 Several Captains in the Artillery Regiment were privates
under these officers in Paddock's Company. Captain Crafts2 who
is I believe the first Captain, is a younger Brother to Thomas. I
believe that Burbeck3 Mason,4 Foster,5 etc. would have no objec
tion.
The Merit of these Men from the Year 1764 to this day, has
been very great tho not known to everybody. My Conscience tells
me they ought to be promoted. They have more Merit between
you and me than half the Generals in the Army.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, December 3, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I returned from Plymouth last Wednesday,
after an absence of about ten days. . . . Doctor Morgan, who with
his lady had lodged in my chamber the night before, had left a
packet containing letters, etc., to your friends, which I have taken
proper care of. This gentleman I have not yet seen. He was at
tended next day by the surgeons of the army, and escorted to
Head quarters in state. I propose to see him tomorrow, and shall
look on him with all the reverence due to so exalted a character
as you give him. Revere returned here on Fryday. No letters by
him from you or my other friend at Congress. I have run over
my sins of omission and commission, to see if they were unpardon
able, and at last presumed to account for it from the nature and
magnitude of the business you are engaged in, and the constant
application it requires.
I congratulate you on the success of our northern army. We
have no late accounts from Arnold, but have sanguine expecta
tions that before this the whole Province of Canada is reduced.
1 Both declined. Writings of Washington (Ford), in. 275. The State of Massachusetts
commissioned them, May 8. 1776, in an artillery battalion raised for the defence of Boston.
2 Edward Crafts, of Gridley's Artillery Regiment. 3 Edward Burbeck.
4 David Mason. 5 Thomas Wait Foster, of Hadley.
1 88 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
You will no doubt have heard before this reaches you that a
Lieutenant Colonel1 and a considerable number of men had come
off from Arnold's detachment and returned here.
Our army here have taken possession of and fortified Cobble
Hill, which the enemy seem to view without any emotion, not hav
ing fired a gun. It is said they confidently rely on our army's dis
persing when the terms of their inlistment ends, and leaving the
lines defenceless, and an easy conquest to them. Howe I believe
has received such intelligence and assurances from one Benja.
Marston,2 who has fled from Marblehead to Boston. This fellow
is a cousin of mine. Had ever any man so many rascally cousins
as I have. I will not presume any danger of that kind, tho' I own
my anxiety is great. Our men inlist but slowly, and the Connecti
cut troops behave infamously. It was with difficulty the General
prevented their going off in great numbers last Fryday. However,
they consented finally to return to their duty, till the army could
be reinforced.3
The General on the first day of our meeting had represented to
the Court the difficulties he laboured under and the dangers he
apprehended, and desired a committee to confer with him and the
other general officers. A committee went down. The result of
the conference was that 5000 men should be immediately raised
in this and New Hampshire colony, and brought into camp by the
loth instant, to supply the deficiencies in the army by the going
of the Connecticut troops, and the furlows the General is obliged
to give the new inlisted men by way of encouragement. General
Sullivan undertook to raise 2000 of them, and we reported that
the rest should be raised in several parts of this Colony, and yes
terday sent off more than twenty of our members to effect it,4
knowing no other way as our militia is in a perfect state of anarchy,
some with, and some without officers. If they don't succeed I
know not where I shall date my next letter from; but I have such
1 Roger Enos.
2 Benjamin Marston (1730-1792), son of Benjamin Marston and Elizabeth Winslow.
A loyalist, he followed the British army to Halifax in 1776.
3 Writings of Washington (Ford), in. 253, 258.
4 The names are given in the Journal of the House of Representatives (Mass.), December
2, 1775-
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 189
an opinion of my countrymen as to believe they will. The only
reasons I know of that are assigned by the soldiers for their un
easiness, or rather backwardness to enter the service again are the
increase of the officers' wages lately made, and the paying them
contrary to their expectation and former usage by calendar in
stead of lunar months. The last I have given you my opinion of
in a former letter, and the first I think was very unluckily timed.
I have till lately thought it a favourable circumstance that so
many men were raised in these governments. I begin to think
otherways, and many reasons operate strongly to make me wish
for more troops from the southern governments. I pity our good
General who has a greater burthen on his shoulders and more
difficulties to struggle with than I think should fall to the share of
so good a man. I do every thing in my power to relieve him and
wish I could do more. I see he is fatigued and worried. After all
you are not to consider us as wholly involved in clouds and dark
ness. The sun shines for the most part, and we have many consol
ing events. Providence seems to be engaged for us; the same
spirit and determination prevails to conquer all difficulties; many
prizes have been taken by our cruisers, and a capital one last week
carried into Cape Ann, of very great value, perhaps £20,000 ster
ling, a brigantine from England with a cargo consisting of almost
every species of warlike stores, except powder and cannon,1 2,000
very fine small arms with all their accoutrements, four mortars,
one [of] which Putnam has christened and called the Congress, the
finest one in America, flints, shells, musket balls, carriages, etc.,
etc. These are principally arrived at Headquarters and the great
mortar is a subject of curiosity. I hope we shall be able to make
good use of them before long. A small cutter has since been taken
loaded with provisions from Nova Scotia to Boston, and carried
into Beverly,2 the first by a Continental vessel, the second by a
private one. All serves to distress them and aid us. The reinforcing
the army has engrossed the whole attention of the General Court
since their meeting. The manufactory of salt petre proceeds but
1 It was the brig Nancy, taken by Captain Manley, of the Lee.
2 The Concord, James Lowrie, master: She was laden with dry goods and coal, and was
taken by Manley, which does not accord with what Warren wrote.
i go Warren- Adams Letters [1775
slowly, tho' it is made in small quantities. Our general committee
seem to me too much entangled with particular systems and gen
eral rules to succeed in practice. They have done nothing. Colonel
Orne and Colonel Lincoln have made tryals in the recess and suc
ceeded according to their wishes. They affirm the process to be
simple and easy, and that great quantities may be made. They
shew samples of what they have made, and it is undoubtedly
good. No experiments with regard to sulphur have yet succeeded.
We have good proposals with regard to lead. Colonel Palmer has
promised me to write you on that subject. I hope soon to hear
from you. The confidence in the Congress prevailing among all
ranks of people is amazing, and the expectation of great things
from you stronger than ever. It gives me great pleasure to see
the credit and reputation of my two particular friends increasing
here. Their late disinterested conduct, as it is reported here, does
them much honour. A certain colleague of yours has lost, or I am
mistaken, a great part of the interest he undeservedly had.1 Major
Hawley is not yet down. What he will say to him, I know not.
Paine, I hear, is gone to gratify his curiosity in Canada.2 A good
journey to him. He may possibly do as much good there as at
Philadelphia, tho' I find some people here would not have pitched
on him for the business we suppose he is gone on, and perhaps
there are some who would not have done it for any. Many men,
you know, are of many minds. . . .
The great loss at Newfoundland of men, etc., I think may be
considered as an interposition of Providence in our favour.
Doctor Adams has just called on me to acquaint me that Mr.
Craige,3 who has been apothecary to the army, is like to be super-
ceded, and Mr. Dyre appointed in his room. As he appears to me
a very clever fellow, and such changes do us no good, I could wish
it might be prevented.
1 Hancock or Gushing?
2 John Langdon, Robert Treat Paine, and Eliphalet Dyer had been appointed by Con
gress, November 2, to confer with General Schuyler, at Ticonderoga. The report was laid
before Congress, December 23, and is printed in the journals of the Continental Congress,
m. 446.
3 Andrew Craige.
1775] Warren-Adams Letters 191
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Deer. [5],1 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Mr. Jonathan B. Smith, who has the Com
mand of a Party ordered to guard and escorte a Sum of Money to
your office, will deliver to you this Letter. He is a Gentleman of
Merit and a Friend to our common Cause. Your Friends here
have been treated with Civility, and I dare say you will esteem
him worthy of your particular Notice.
It will afford you Satisfaction to be informed that Congress has
granted £133, ooo to the Colony of Massachusetts Bay in part of their
Account to be exhibited to be paid out of a new Emission already
orderd to be made, for which the Colony is to be accountable.
We go on here by Degrees, though not with the Dispatch I could
wish. Gentlemen seem more and more to enlarge their views, and
we must be content to wait till the Fruit is ripe before we gather it.
A few days ago2 we had Intelligence from Virginia that their
Governor Lord Dunmore had landed a Party of Regulars, who,
joynd by a Number of Voluntiers, had attackd and defeated a
Number of Provincials. His Auxiliaries consisted of the Inhab
itants of Norfolk, a Town inhabited by Scotch Tories, and such
weak and timid People as they prevail upon to joyn them.
Lord Dunmore has issued a Proclamation, calling upon the
People to resort to the Kings Standard or be deemd Traitors, and
declaring the indented Servants and Negroes belonging to Rebels,
who will joyn him free.3 He has also in the same Proclamation
declared his Determination to execute Martial Law, thereby tear
ing up the Foundation of civil Authority and Government in the
Colony. The Congress taking this under Consideration, have
recommended to the Colony of Virginia the setting up and exer
cising civil Government, in like Manner as N. Hampshire and
South Carolina.4
I hope the dispute between the two Houses relating to the
Establishment of the Militia has before this time subsided or set
tled. The Council wrote us a Letter upon the Subject, directing
1 The letter describes two resolutions adopted by Congress on December 4.
2 November 7, 1775. 3 Saturday, December 2.
4 journals of the Continental Congress, in. 403.
192 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
us to give our opinion of the Sense of Congress on the two Resolves
referrd to either with or without consulting our Brethren as we
should think best. I had Reasons of weight in my own Mind
against requesting the formal Determination of Congress: Mr. J.
Afdams] was of the same Mind. Mr. Qushing] was of a different
opinion, nor would he agree with us in writing an Answer joyntly.
We therefore wrote seperately, and, if you think it worth while,
you may read our Letters which I suppose are in the Council files.
I intreat you my Friend to joyn with your Compatriots in our
Colony, in inspiring our Assembly with publick Spirit. There are
Persons not far from you who watch for Opportunities to disgrace
the Colony in this Regard. I hope they will never give just occa
sion to say, "I cannot describe the egregious Want of publick
Spirit which reigns here." It is exceedingly mortifying to me to
hear such Paragraphs read. If I ever shall have the inexpressible
Pleasure of conversing with you, I will candidly tell you who has
written in this Stile. Thus much I can now assure you, that one at
least of these Letter writers is not a mean Person.1 I have many
things which I wish to say to you with Regard to the internal
Police of our Colony but I have not Leisure now to write. You
have Scilla and Charybdis to avoid. You cannot but be perplexd.
I feel for you; you have need of the Grace of Patience and (though
it has been long said that I have fallen out with the Word) I will
add Prudence too. Persevere in that which your heart has ever
been so warmly engagd in, the Establishment of a Government
upon the Principles of Liberty, and sufficiently guarding it from
future Infringements of a Tyrant. I will only add, there may be
Danger of Errors on the Side of the People which may be fatal to
your Designs. Adieu.
S. A.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, December n, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — Since my last I have not a scrip from you.
Whether you intend by withholding the encouragement you used
I Joseph Reed may have shown or read Washington's letter to him of November 28.
1775] Warren- Adams Letters 193
to give to get rid of the trouble of my many, long and tedious letters,
I don't know. However, I am determined to write this once more
at least, not out of spite and malice, but to rectify some errors I
find I committed in my last, and to remove any impressions of
despondency the temper I wrote in and the spirit of the letter
might make. Captain Stevenson who was the bearer of it left us
last Monday, and I hope will be with you this day. Since which
I find I was much mistaken in the account I gave you of the prog
ress of saltpetre in this Colony. It is certainly making in great
quantities in many towns, and I believe we shall next spring have
as much as we want. One man in Wrentham had a fortnight ago
50 lb., one at Sherburne about as much, Dr. Whittaker has 70 lb.,
Parson Whitwell 50, and in the County of Worcester great quanti
ties are collecting. All agree that the process is as simple and easy
. as making soap. Our committee at Newberry Port have succeeded
with some improvements to make steadily 12 lb. a day, and as good
as I ever saw. So much for saltpetre. We have assigned this after
noon to choose a committee to erect as soon as possible a powder
mill at Sutton, and another at Stoughton. Several prizes have
been taken in the week past, and among the rest a fine ship from
London,1 with coal, porter, cheese, live hogs, etc., etc.; and a large
brigantine from Antigua,2 with rum, sugar, etc. All the country
are now engaged in preparing to make salt petre, fixing privateers,
or reinforcing the army. I suppose if the weather had been favour
able twelve or thirteen privateers would have been at sea this day
in quest of seven sail of ships which came out with this prize, and
had similar cargoes. Commissions are making out for two priva
teers from Salem, two from Newbury Port, one of them to mount
sixteen guns. I hear one is fixing at Plymouth, and one at Barn-
stable. It will be in the power of the Congress another year to
command the American sea. We have here great numbers of fine
vessels and seamen in abundance.
The 3000 militia called to reinforce the army are all I believe in
camp, and I conjecture some hundreds more than are called for.
Such was their indignation at the conduct of the Connecticut
1 The Jenny, Captain Forster.
2 The Little Hannah, Robert Adams, master. Both of these prizes were taken by Manley.
i94 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
troops and zeal for the cause they immediately inlisted and ar
rived in camp at the time set, tho' the travelling is exceeding bad.
The New Hampshire troops I am told are not behind them. The
small pox is broke out at Cambridge and one or two other places
among those late out of Boston. I hope good care will be taken of
them to prevent its spreading. The inlistments in the army go on
rather better than they did. Upon the whole the hemisphere is
brighter and the prospects more agreeable than they were a week
ago. Our army acknowledge they have been well treated, paid and
fed, and if you had not raised the pay of the officers, they could
hardly have found a subject of complaint. I am sorry it was done,
tho' if the soldiers were politicians they might see it was an advan
tage to [them]. The southern gentlemen seem to have [taken a
dislike to torn] equality among us, and don't seem [to understand]
that many of the soldiers are [torn] possessed of as much property
as [torn]. The people of Boston by their imprudence [torn] town so
long have given us more trouble [than both] the ministerial army
and navy. I don't [torn] an eighth part of our whole time since
[torn] been taken up about them people, and the[y will at] last per
haps ruin us by spreading [the small pox]. What shall we do?
Determine not to [receive them], they die. Adieu. . . .
Just as I finished the above I received your short letter of De
cember 5. Shall endeavour to reconcile the troops as far as I have
influence to the terms you mention. The greatest difficulty, how
ever, is about the officers' wages lately raised. Craft[s] I know is
a deserving man, and fit for the office you mention. Trot I pre
sume is by the character you give him. But what is to be done
with Burbeck? He is said to be a good officer, is well esteemed at
Head quarters, and is now a lieutenant colonel. Do you design
there shall be two lieutenant colonels, as well as two majors in that
regiment? What shall be done for our good friend Doctor Cooper?
He is a staunch friend to the cause, a great sufferer, and no in
come to support him. Must he not be provided for in the civil list?
Do devise something.
It is reported from Boston that they have taken one of our pri
vateers.1 I fear it is true.
I The Washington, Captain Martindale.
Warren- Adams Letters 195
[torn] it is true they have indeed got one of our [privateers, the]
brigantine the General fixed from Plymouth. She [torn] double
fortified six pounders, about twenty swivels [torn]. We don't know
who took her, or any [torn] about it. Tis supposed she made a
stout [resistance as] much firing was heard in the Bay. [I was at
Head] quarters yesterday, but the General was gone [torn] not see
him. I met Crafts. He says the [torn] offered him the second ma
jority, and that a man [who was f]ormerly his Serjeant is to have
the first. [He says he wo]n't accept it. Mason is the lieutenant
colonel, [torn] wishes to be made barrack master and I could [torn]
if it don't make a difficulty. Brewer 1 is at present appointed, and
gave up his regiment for it to accomodate matters, and facilitate
the new establishment. I had a vessel arrived on Monday from the
West Indies. She has been at almost all the Windward Islands.
The master is sensible and intelligent. . . .
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Deer. 26, 1775
MY DEAR SIR, — I have receivd your obliging Letter of the 5th
Instant by Fessenden for which I am very thankful to you. The
present form of our Government, you tell me, is not considerd as
permanent. This affords the strongest Motive to improve the
Advantages of it, while it continues. May not Laws be made and
Regulations established, under this Government, the salutary
Effects of which the People shall be so convincd of from their own
Experience, as never hereafter to suffer them to be repeald or
alterd. But what other Change is expected? Certainly the People
do not already hanker after the Onions and the Garlick! They
cannot have so soon forgot the Tyranny of their late Governors,
who, being dependent upon, and the mere Creatures of a Minister
of State, and subservient to his Instructions or Inclinations have
forbid them to make such Laws as would have been beneficial to
them or to repeal those that were not. But, I find every where some
Men, who are affraid of a free Government, lest it should be per
verted and made use of as a Cloke for Licentiousness. The Fear
I David Brewer, of Palmer.
196 Warren- Adams Letters [1775
of the Peoples abusing their Liberty is made an Argument against
their having the Enjoyment of it; as if anything were so much to
be dreaded by Mankind as Slavery. But the Bearer Mr Bromfield,
of whose Departure I was not apprisd till a few Minutes past, is
waiting. I can therefore say no more at present, but that I am,
Your affectionate Friend,
S. A.
December 2yth. Mr. Bromfield who went in a Stage Coach set
off yesterday before I could close my Letter. I shall therefore
forward it by the Post or any other Conveyance that may next
offer.
Your last Letter informd me that "the late Conduct of the
1 had weakened that Confidence and Reverence necessary
to give a well disposd Government its full operation and Effects."
I am sorry for it ; and presume it is not to be imputed to a
Fault in the Institution of that Order, but a Mistake in the Persons
of whom it is composd. All men are fond of Power. It is difficult
for us to be prevaild upon to believe, that we possess more than
belongs to us. Even publick Bodies of Men legally constituted, are
too prone to covet more Power than the Publick has judgd it safe
to entrust them with. It is happy when their Power is not only
subject to Controul while it is exercisd, but frequently reverts into
the hands of the People, from whom it is derivd, and to whom Men
in Power ought forever to be accountable. That venerable As
sembly the Senate of Areopagus in Athens, whose Proceedings
were so eminently upright and impartial, that, we are told, even
*' foreign States, when any Controversy happend among them,
would voluntarily submit to their Decisions . . . not only their
determinations might be called in Question and, if Need was, re
tracted by an Assembly of the People, but themselves too, if they
exceeded the Bounds of Moderation, were lyable to account for it."
At present, our Council as well as our House of Representatives
are annually elective. Thus far they are accountable to the People,
as they are lyable, for Misbehavior, to be discarded. But this is
not a sufficient Security to the People, unless they are themselves
virtuous.
I Council?
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 197
If we wish for "another Change," should it not be a Change of
Manners ? If the Youth are carefully educated, if the Principles
of Morality are strongly inculcated in the Minds of the People -
the End and Design of Government clearly understood, and the
Love of our Country the ruling Passion — uncorrupted Men will
be chosen for the Representatives of the People.
These will elect Men of distinguished Worth to sit at the Council
Board, and in time we may hope, that, in the Purity of their Man
ners, the Wisdom of their Councils and the Justice of their Deter
minations, our Senate may equal that of Athens, which was said
to be, "the most sacred and venerable Assembly in all Greece."
I confess I have a strong Desire, that our Colony should excell in
Wisdom and Virtue. If this proceeds from Pride, is it not a lawful
Pride? I am willing that the same Spirit of Emulation may per
vade every one of the confederated Colonies. But I am called off,
and must conclude with again assuring you that I am with the
most friendly Regards to Mrs Warren, very affectionately Yours,
S. A.
Pray write to me often.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Jany. 7, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I verily believe the Letters I write to you are
three to one I receive from you. However I consider the Multi
plicity of Affairs you must attend to in your various Departments
and am willing to make due Allowance.
Your last is dated the I9th of December. It contains a List of
very important Matters lying before the General Assembly. I am
much pleased to find that there is an End put to the Contest be
tween the two Houses concerning the Establishment of a Militia,
and that you are in hopes of making an effectual Law for that
Purpose. It is certainly of the last Consequence to a free Country
that the Militia which is its natural Strength should be kept upon
the most advantageous Footing. A standing Army, however
necessary it may be at some times, is always dangerous to the
Liberties of the People. Soldiers are apt to consider themselves as
1 98 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
a Body distinct from the rest of the Citizens. They have their
Arms always in their hands. Their Rules and their Discipline is
severe. They soon become attached to their officers and disposd
to yield implicit obedience to their Commands. Such a Power
should be watchd with a jealous Eye. I have a good Opinion of
the principal officers of our Army, I esteem them as Patriots as
well as Soldiers; But if this War continues, as it may for years yet
to come, we know not who may succeed them. Men who have
been long governd by military Laws, and inurd to military Cus
toms and Habits may lose the Spirit and Feeling of Citizens. And
even Citizens having been used to admire the Heroism which the
Commanders of their own Armies have displayd and to look up
to them as their Saviours, may be prevaild upon to surrender to
them those Rights for the Protection of which against an Invader,
they had employd and paid them. We have seen too much of such
a Disposition among some of our Countrymen. The Militia is
composd of free Citizens. There is therefore no Danger of their
making Use of their Power to the Destruction of their own Rights
or suffering others to invade them. I earnestly wish that young
Gentlemen of a military Genius, and many such I am satisfied
there are in our Colony, might be instructed in the Art of War, and
taught at the same time the Principles of a free Government, and
deeply impressd with a Sense of that indispensible Obligation
which every Individual is under to the whole Society. These might
in Time be fit for Officers in the Militia and being thoroughly
acquainted with the Duties of Citizens as well as Soldiers might
be entrusted with a Share in the Command of our Army, at such
Times as Necessity might require so dangerous a Body to exist.
I am glad that your Attention is turnd so much to the Importa
tion of Powder and that the Manufacture of Saltpetre is in so
flourishing a Way. I cannot think you are restraind by the
Resolve of Congress from exporting Fish to Spain. I will make
myself more certain by recurring to our Records tomorrow when
the Secretary returns; he being at this time (6 o'clock P.M.) at
his House three Miles from Town. And I will inform you by a
Postscript to this Letter or by another Letter by the Post. I have
the Pleasure to acquaint you that a Vessel with five Tons of
Warren- Adams Letters 199
Powder certainly arrivd at Egg harbour the Night before last, be
sides two Tons in this River. A Part of it is consignd to the
Congress — The Rest is the Property partly of Mr [Thomas
Boylston] and partly of a Gentleman in this City. Congress has
orderd the whole to be purchasd for publick Use. We are also
informd that Six Tons more arrivd a few days ago in New York
which I believe to be true. But better still. A Vessel is cer
tainly arrivd in this River with between fifty and sixty Tons of
Salt petre.1 This I suppose will give you more Satisfaction for the
present than telling you Congress News as you request.
You ask me, "When you are to hear of our Confederation?"
;i I answer, When some Gentlemen (to use an Expression of a Tory)
shall "feel more bold." You know it was formerly a Complaint
in our Colony, that there was a timid kind of Men, who perpetu
ally hinderd the Progress of those who would fain run in the Path
of Virtue and Glory. I find wherever I am that Mankind are alike
variously classed. I can discern the Magnanimity of the Lyon, the
Generosity of the Horse, the Tearfulness of the Deer, and the
Cunning of the Fox — I had almost overlookd the Fidelity of the
Dog. But I forbear to indulge my rambling Pen in this Way lest I
should be thought chargeable with a Design to degrade the Dig
nity of our Nature by comparing Men with Beasts. Let me just
observe to you that I have mentiond only the more excellent
Properties that are to be found among Quadrupeds. Had I sug
gested an Idea of the Vanity of the Ape, the Tameness of the Ox,
or the stupid Servility of the Ass, I might have been lyable to
Censure.
Are you Sollicitous to hear of our Confederation? I will tell you.
It is not dead but sleepeth. A Gentleman of this City told me the
other day, that he could not believe the People without Doors
would follow the Congress passibus aequis, if such Measures as
some called spirited were pursued. I was of a different Opinion.
It put me in Mind of a Fable of the high-mettled horse and the dull
horse. My excellent Colleague, Mr. J. A. can repeat to you the
Fable and if the Improvement had been made of it which our very
valuable Friend Coll. MfifBin?] proposd, you would have seen that
I Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 40.
200 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
Confederation compleated long before this time. I do not despair
of it since our Enemies themselves are hastening it. While I am
writing an Express arrives from Baltimore in Maryland, with the
Deposition of Capt. Horn1 of the Snow Bird belonging to Provi
dence.
The Deponent says, that on Monday the 1st Instant he being
at Hampton in Virginia heard a constant firing of Cannon; that
he was informd a Messenger had been sent to inquire where the
firing was, who reported that the Ships of War were cannonading
the Town of Norfolk; that about the Middle of the Afternoon they
saw the Smoke ascending from Norfolk, as they supposd; that he
saild from Hampton the Evening of the same day and the firing
continued till the next day. This will prevail more than a long
Train of Reasoning to accomplish a Confederation, and other
Matters which I know your heart as well as mine is much set upon.
I forgot to tell you that a Vessel is arrivd in Maryland having
as part of her Cargo four thousand yards of Sail Cloth — an
article which I hope will be much in Demand in America. Adieu
my Friend.
S. A.
MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MERCY WARREN
CAMBRIDGE, January the 8th, 1776
Mrs. Washington presents her respectfull compliments to Mrs.
Warren and thanks her most cordially for her polite enquire and
exceeding kind offer. If the Exigency of affairs in this Camp
should make it necessary for her to remove, she cannot but esteem
it a happiness to have so friendly an Invitation as Mrs. Warren
has given. In the mean while Mrs. Washington cannot help wish
ing for an oppertunity of shewing every civility in her power to
Mrs. Warren, at Head Quarters in Cambridge.
The General begs that his best regards may be presented to
Mrs. Warren, accompanied with his sincere thanks for her favour
able wishes for his honour and success; and joins in wishing Mrs.
Warren, the speaker, and their Family, every happiness that is,
or can be derived from a speedy, and honourable peace.
i John Horn.
/**
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 2oi
JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, Jany. 8, 1776
DEAR MADAM, — Your Friend insists upon my Writing to you
and altho I am conscious it is my Duty being deeply in Debt for a
number of very agreeable Favours in the Epistolary Way, yet I
doubt whether a sense of this Duty would have overcome my
Inclination to Indolence and Relaxation with which my own Fire
Side always inspires me, if it had not been Stimulated and quick
ened by her.
I was charmed with three Characters drawn by a most masterly
Pen, which I reed at the southward. Copley's Pencil could not
have touched off with more exquisite Finishings the Faces of those
Gentlemen. Whether I ever answered that Letter I know not.
But I hope Posterity will see it, if they do I am sure they will
admire it. I think I will make a Bargain with you, to draw the
Character of every new Personage I have an opportunity of know
ing, on Condition you will do the same. My View will be to learn
the Art of penetrating into Men's Bosoms, and then the more
difficult Art of painting what I shall see there. You Ladies are the
most infallible judges of Characters, I think.
Pray Madam, are you for an American Monarchy or Republic?
Monarchy is the genteelest and most fashionable Government,
and I dont know why the Ladies ought not to consult Elegance
and the Fashion as well in Government as Gowns, Bureaus or
Chariots.
For my own part I am so tasteless as to prefer a Republic, if
We must erect an independent Government in America, which
you know is utterly against my Inclination. But a Republic, altho
it will infallibly beggar me and my Children, will produce Strength,
Hardiness Activity, Courage, Fortitude and Enterprise; the manly
noble and Sublime Qualities in human Nature, in Abundance.
A Monarchy would probably, somehow or other make me rich,
but it would produce so much Taste and Politeness so much
Elegance in Dress, Furniture, Equipage, so much Musick and
Dancing, so much Fencing and Skaiting, so much Cards and
Backgammon; so much Horse Racing and Cockfighting, so many
202 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
Balls and Assemblies, so many Plays and Concerts that the very
Imagination of them makes me feel vain, light, frivolous and insig
nificant.
It is the Form of Government which gives the decisive Colour
to the Manners of the People, more than any other Thing. Under
a well regulated Commonwealth, the People must be wise virtuous
and cannot be otherwise. Under a Monarchy they may be as
vicious and foolish as they please, nay, they cannot but be vi
cious and foolish. As Politicks therefore is the Science of human
Happiness and human Happiness is clearly best promoted by
Virtue, what thorough Politician can hesitate who has a new
Government to build whether to prefer a Commonwealth or a
Monarchy?
But, Madam, there is one Difficulty which I know not how to
get over.
Virtue and Simplicity of Manners are indispensably necessary
in a Republic among all orders and Degrees of Men. But there is
so much Rascallity, so much Venality and Corruption, so much
Avarice and Ambition such a Rage for Profit and Commerce
among all Ranks and Degrees of Men even in America, that I some
times doubt whether there is public Virtue enough to Support a
Republic. There are two Vices most detestably predominant in
^every Part of America that I have yet seen which are as incom
patible with the Spirit of a Commonwealth, as Light is with Dark
ness; I mean Servility and Flattery. A genuine Republican can
no more fawn and cringe than he can domineer. Shew me the
American who cannot do all. I know two or Three, I think, and
very few more. However, it is the Part of a great Politician to
make the Character of his People, to extinguish among them the
Follies and Vices that he sees, and to create in them the Virtues
and Abilities which he sees wanting. I wish I was sure that
America has one such Politician but I fear she has not!1
A Letter begun in Levity is likely to have . . . [conclusion,
while I was writing the last Word . . . Paragraph my attention
was called off ... it and most melodious sounds my Ears . . . more
Mortars and Musquettry.1
i The signature has been cut out, thus mangling the text on the reverse.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 203
A very hot Fire, both of Artillery and Small Arms, has continued
for half an Hour, and has been succeeded by a luminous Phe
nomenon over Braintree North Common, occasioned by Burning
Buildings I suppose.1
Whether our People have attacked or defended, been victorious
or vanquished is to me totally uncertain. But in Either Case I
rejoice, for a Defeat appears to me preferable to total Inaction.
May the Supreme Ruler of Events overrule in our Favour. But
if the Event of this Evening is unfortunate I think We ought at
all Hazards and at any Loss to retrieve it tomorrow. I hope the
Militia will be ready and our Honour be retrieved by making
Boston our own.
I shall be in suspense this Night but very willing to take my
Place with my Neighbours tomorrow and crush the Power of the
Enemies or suffer under it.
I hope Coll Warren sleeps at Cushing's this night and that I
shall see him in the Morning. Mean Time I think I shall sleep as
soundly as ever.
I am Madam your most humble servant and sincere Friend,
[Signature cut.]
Mrs. Adams desires to be remembered to Mrs. Warren.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, January 10, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote to you the 7th Instant by Mr. Anthony
by the way of Providence, and should not so soon have troubled
you with another Letter but to inform you, that upon looking over
the Journals of Congress I find that the Recommendation of the
26th of October, to export Produce for a certain Purpose, is con-
find to the foreign West Indies; and the Resolution to stop all
Trade till the first of March is subsequent to it. This last Resolu
tion prevents your exporting your Merchantable Fish to Spain
for the purpose mentiond, which I am satisfied was not intended,
because I am very certain the Congress means to encourage the
I See Force, American Archives, 4th Sen, iv. 612.
204 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
Importation of those necessary Articles under the Direction of
proper Persons, from every Part of the World.
I design to propose to my Colleagues to joyn with me in a
Motion to extend the Recommendation so as to admit of exporting
Fish to any place besides the foreign West Indies.
A few days ago, being one of a Committee to consider General
Washington's last Letter to Congress, I proposd to the Committee
and they readily consented to report the inclosd Resolutions,
which were unanimously agreed to in Congress.1 The Committee
also reported that a certain Sum should be paid to Mr. Lovel out
of the military Chest towards enabling him to remove himself
and his Family from Boston, but the Precedent was objected to
and the last Resolve was substituted in its stead.2 The Gentlemen
present however contributed and put into my hands Eighty-two
Dollars for the Benefit of Mr. Lovell, which I shall remit either in
Cash or a good Bill. I hope I shall soon be so happy as to hear that
he is releasd from Bondage. I feel very tenderly for the Rest of
my fellow Citizens who are detaind in that worst of Prisons.
Methinks there is one way speedily to release them all.
This day Congress have appointed General Fry a Brigadier
General of the Army at Cambridge and Coll. Arnold a Brigadier
General for the Army in Canada.
Another sum of Money is orderd to be sent to you for the Use
of the Army.
Jany. 13. I have sent to Mrs. Adams a Pamphlet3 which made
its first Appearance a few days ago. It has fretted some folks here
more than a little. I recommend it to your Perusal and wish you
would borrow it of her. Don't be displeasd with me if you find the
Spirit of it totally repugnant with your Ideas of Government.
Read it without Prejudice, and give me your impartial Sentiments
of it when you may be at Leisure. Your Friend.
S. A.
1 On James Lovell. Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 32.
2 Recommending his appointment to an office. 3 Paine's Common Sense.
1 77*1 Warren- Adams Letters 205
MERCY WARREN TO ABIGAIL ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
February 7, 1776
Just come to hand is a letter from my very worthy friend,1 who
I suppose is by this time arrived at Philadelphia; and another from
his good Portia, whose mind seems to be agitated by a variety of
passions, passions of the noblest kind, a sense of honnour, of
friendship, of parental and conjugal affection, of domestic felicity
and public happiness. I do not wonder you had a struggle within
yourself when your friend was again called upon to be absent from
his family for perhaps many months; but as you have sacrificed
private inclination to the public welfare I hope the reward of vir
tue will be your portion. I believe the person you consent should
be absent from you need give himself very little concern about the
ill-natured sugestions of an envious world, and I cannot think you
have any apprehension that the whispers of Malice will lessen the
esteem and affection I have for my friends; and if she is unkindly
brooding anything to their disadvantage it has not reached my
ear. When it does I shall comply with your request and give you
the opportunity you mention. Mean time let me have an explana
tion of that source of uneasiness you hint at in yours. Follow my
example and set down immediately and write, and I will ensure
you a safe conveyance by a gentleman who I hope will call on you
on saterday on his way to pay a visit to his Marcia. You may
trust him with your letter though ever so important, and anything
else you will venture to communicate.
I want to know if certain intercepted letters had any conse
quences at Philadelphia. Was any umbrage taken by any genius
great or small?
I wonder where Mr. Adams's letter has been for a whole month.
It might have traveled to Quebec and back again since it was
wrote. I began to think he was about to drop our correspondence,
and indeed I think now I am obliged to you for the continuance.
Yet had I received the letter before he went off I believe I should
have ventured to answer some of his queries, though they were
not put in a manner serious enough for me to suppose he expected
I John Adams.
206 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
it. However, when you write again, do make my regards and
thank him for his of January 8th. Only the fear of interrupting
his important moments prevents my doing it myself. But I think
he has so many friends to correspond with that it is rather calling
him from more useful employment, to attend to my interruptions.
Yet there is a proposal in his that may set my pen to work again,
perhaps before he returns.
I am very sorry for the ill health of your family: hope they are
all recovered. Do put them in mind of the affection of your friend,
in a way most pleasing to the little circle. What is become of my
dear mrs. Lincoln? Do tell her I have impatiently wished through
the whole winter for the pleasure of hearing from her and the
family. Do make them my best regards.
I write in a very great hury, or I should touch a little on politicks,
knowing you love a little seasoning of that nature in every pro
duction; but it is too wide a field to enter this evening, so will only
wish that the aquisition of Boston and Quebec may make the
opening of the year '76 an era of Glory to the arms of America,
and may hand down the name of Washington and Arnold to the
latest posterity, with the laurel on their brow. But a reverse I
tremble to think off. Let us forbear to name it. So will hasten to
subscribe the name of your Affectionate friend,
M. W.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Feby. 18, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — We have at last hit upon a Plan which prom
ises fair for Success.
Dr. Franklin and Mr. Chase of Maryland and Mr. Charles Carroll
of Carrollton are chosen a Committee to go to Canada. I must
confess I have very great Confidence in the Abilities and Integrity
the Political Principles and good Disposition of this Committee.1
Franklin's Character you know. His masterly Acquaintance
with the French Language,2 his extensive Correspondence in
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 151. The Journal of Charles Carroll on this
mission was printed by the Maryland Historical Society, in 1876.
2 Franklin would not have made this claim.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 207
France, his great Experience in Life, his Wisdom, Prudence,
Caution; his engaging Address; united to his unshaken Firmness
in the present American System of Politicks and War, point him
out as the fittest Character for this momentous Undertaking.
Chase, is in younger Life, under forty; But deeply impressed
with a sense of the Importance of securing Canada, very active,
eloquent, Spirited, and capable.
Carroll's Name and Character are equally unknown to you.
I was introduced to him about Eighteen Months ago in this City
and was much pleased with his Conversation. He has a Fortune
as I am well informed which is computed to be worth Two hun
dred Thousand Pounds Sterling. He is a Native of Maryland, and
his Father is still living. He had a liberal Education in France and
is well acquainted with the french Nation. He speaks their Lan
guage as easily as ours; and what is perhaps of more Consequence
than all the rest, he was educated in the Roman Catholic Religion
and still continues to worship his Maker according to the Rites of
that Church. In the Cause of American Liberty his Zeal Forti
tude and Perseverance have been so conspicuous that he is said
to be marked out for peculiar Vengeance by the Friends of Admin
istration; But he continues to hazard his all, his immense Fortune,
the largest in America, and his Life. This Gentleman's Charac
ter, if I foresee aright, will hereafter make a greater Figure in
America. His abilities are very good, his Knowledge and Learning
extensive. I have seen Writings of his which would convince you
of this. You may perhaps hear before long more about them.
These three gentlemen compose a Committee which I think
promises great Things.
But We have done more. We have empowered the Committee
to take with them, another Gentleman of Maryland, Mr. John
Carroll,1 a Roman Catholic Priest, and a Jesuit, a Gentleman of
learning and Abilities. This Gentleman will administer Baptism
to the Canadian Children and bestow Absolution upon Such as
have been refused it by the toryfied Priests in Canada. The
Anathema's of the Church so terrible to the Canadians having
had a disagreeable Effect upon them.
I A cousin of Charles Carroll.
208 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
In Addition to the whole General Lee is ordered into Canada to
take upon him the Command of the whole Expedition.1 His
Address, his Fluency in French, his Activity, his great Experience
and Skill, We hope will Succeed.
I long to hear from N. England that the three Regiments are
marched. It would damp me very much to hear that our People
continue to hesitate about Bounties, and Trifles.
The Unanimous Voice of the Continent is Canada must be ours;
Quebec must be taken.
I think the most prudent Measures, have now been adopted and
We must leave the Event. If We fail now, I shall be easy be
cause I know of nothing more or better that We can do. I did not
feel so well Satisfied after the News of the Failure at Quebec.
It is true that We want Lee both at Cambridge and New York!
But We cannot have him in three Armies at once, and Canada
Seems to me, the most dangerous Post, and that there is the great
est Necessity for him there. Schuyler is to command in N. York,
with Ld Sterling under him, who is a very good officer.
The Importance of Canada arises from this, and occasions our
remarkable Unanimity at present in deciding the Affairs of it:
In the Hands of our Enemies it would enable them to inflame all
the Indians upon the Continent, and perhaps induce them to take
up the Hatchet and commit their Robberies and Murders upon
the Frontiers of all the southern Colonies, as well as to pour down
Regulars, Canadians, and Indians, together upon the Borders of
the Northern
I am, my dear Sir, unfeignedly your Friend.
[No signature.]
JAMES BOWDOIN TO MERCY WARREN
MIDDLEBOROUGH, Feby. 28, 1776
DEAR MADAM, — I have read with great pleasure the Pamphlet2
you favoured me with and am much obliged for the loan of it.
1 Congress passed the order on February 17, but on the 28 th countermanded it.
2 Paine's Common Sense. "You have read the celebrated Pamphlet, Common Sense, and
the appendix in last Thursday paper. It would gratify me to know your Opinion of the
last Paragraph which proposes an act of oblivion, etc. Methinks the Whigs who have suf-
i?76] H^arren- Adams Letters 209
Most of the Author's observations are very just and I think will
proselyte many to his doctrine The more it is contemplated, the
stronger is the conviction of the truth of it, at least this is the case
with respect to myself and my dear Rib, we having been much
confirmed in it since reading the Pamphlet.
If the Pamphlet were republished in all the Newspapers (each
head of it together without division) it would have an extensively
good effect, and greatly tend to confirm the real Christian, recover
the doubting, and convert the ignorant and unbelieving to the true
faith. . . . Your most obedt. hble. Servt.,
JAMES BOWDOIN
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, March 7, 1776 l
I two days ago had the pleasure of receiving yours of February
1 8th. I think you have taken the best possible methods for the
security of Canada. Your policy is exquisitely good, and if it fails
you will nevertheless have the satisfaction of having done every
thing that humane policy could dictate. I am glad you have taken
these steps; but they don't satisfy me. I want to see more capital
ones adopted. I am extremely anxious, perhaps never more so at
any time. You know I never feared the arms of Britain, but I
always dreaded their negotiations, aided and assisted as they will
be by the silly moderation and timidity of some, by the prejudices
and interested views of others. Surely the honest, virtuous and
sensible will have enough to do to encounter the plausible subtlety
of their agents, supported by such confederates. And what adds to
the misfortune is that you are to have this business on your hands
at a time when you should be attending to the embassies from the
fered the loss of everything dear in life must be possessed of souls more than human to
assent to such an article. Query, whether setting aside the horrors of Conscience which
must have been the attendant on Toryism, they would not be in vastly more preferable
circumstances than those who have struggled thro all difficulties and dangers, and have
nothing in Prospect but poverty and want? Such an article seems calculated for the Lati
tude of Philadelphia, which has been exempt from all suffering, but I fancy will hardly suit
the Ch'mate of Boston, Charlestown, etc." Hannah Winthrop to Mercy Warren, April 2,
1776. MS.
1 Written after an illness of three weeks, which kept him confined to his house.
210 IVarren- Adams Letters [1776
several (at least trading) powers in Europe, forming alliances to
support an independence declared many months past. But so it
is. May God in his good Providence carry us safely through this
difficulty, and I shall think we have gained the summit of the
mountain. By the best intelligence we have the Commissioners
are appointed. They are to consist of thirty-nine, three to each
Colony; that they are instructed not to treat with Congress. Can
they with all their negro policy be so stupid as to suppose that they
will be able to avail themselves of the advantage of getting differ
ent terms from different colonies, and by that means, without any
trouble but a voyage from Britain, destroy a union so formidable
to the existence of that nation?
Anxiety marks every countenance. People can't account for
the hesitancy they observe. While some apprehend that you are
startled at the measures already taken, others wonder why the
principles and dictates of common sense have not the same influ
ence upon the enlarged minds of their superiours that they feel on
their own, and none can see safety or happiness in a future con
nection with B[ritain], void as they are of true policy, justice or
humanity. All wish to see a brisk foreign trade, that will both
\make us rich and safe.
I am in a poor situation to give you intelligence. I have but a
very imperfect account of the military operations. The bombard
ment and cannonade of Boston begun on Saturday last, and our
army took possession of Dorchester Hill on Monday or Tuesday
night, without any difficulty, and have strongly entrenched.
What is to be next I know not. I presume you will have every
particular from Head quarters. Whether Howe has a design to
evacuate Boston or not is to me very uncertain, but some circum
stances look like it. Where he will go if he does, is equally uncer
tain. Can Administration, with all their stupidity, view with
indifference the French force in the West Indies, or is not that
true? If true, it must be important to them or us. No prizes
lately taken. A ship of 300 tons from Boston to New York,
mounted with the carriage guns, thirty men, some coal, 7000 can
non ball, and a few other articles, lately run on shore on the back
of the Cape, the ship bilged, and everything on board taken pos-
Warren-Adams Letters
2 1 1
session of and secured by our people. I can give you no particular
account of the three regiments for Canada from those govern
ments, but I dare say they are gone. Every thing was favourable
when I last heard. I want to hear from your fleet, their desti
nation, success, etc. I want to hear the character, the business,
etc. of the Baron de Woedke, Knight of Malta, who passed through
this town in his way to Congress, with letters to Dr. Franklin,
etc. . . .*
The House have voted a bounty of £6 to those that shall inlist
for two years into the two battalions to be raised here; of £3 for
one year; and of thirty shillings to those who shall inlist into any
of the five battalions left here. I have my doubts and fears about
this measure. I fear that bounties will rise faster than money can
depreciate or goods rise. I fear the displeasure of Congress, that
they will be disgusted. The Board have prudently stopped it
for the present. I don't know but the result will be to write to you
before it goes further.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., March 8, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I now sit down just to acknowledge the rect of
your favor of the I4th. of Feby., and to mention to you a Matter
which considerd in itself may appear to be of small Moment but
in its effects may possibly be mischievous. I believe I may safely
appeal to all the Letters which I have written to my Friends since
I have been in this City to vindicate myself in affirming that I
have never mentioned Mr. C.,2 nor referred to his Conduct in any
of them excepting one to my worthy Colleague Mr. A., when he
was at Watertown a few Weeks ago, in which I informd him of the
side Mr. C. had taken in a very interesting Debate; and then I only
observd that he had a Right to give his Opinion whenever he
thought himself prepard to form one. Yet I have been told it has
1 Frederick William de Woedtke. On March 16 Congress elected him to be a Brigadier
General. He died, near Lake George, N.Y., in July, 1776. In the Journals of the House of
Representatives (Mass.), April 2, 1776, he is described as "Chevalier del Ordre de St. Jean
Jerusalem de Malta."
2 Gushing.
212 W^arren- Adams Letters [1776
been industriously reported that Mr. A. and myself have been
secretly writing to his Prejudice, and that our Letters have oper
ated to his being superceded.1 So fully persuaded did some Gen
tlemen seem to be of the Truth of this Report, and Mr D[uer]
of N.Y. in particular, whom I have heard express the warmest
Affection for Mr. C., that he appeard to be surprizd to hear me
contradict it. Whether this Report and a Beliefe of it indued the
Friends of Mr. C. to open a charitable Subscription in Support of
his Character I am not able to say. If it was so, they ought in Jus
tice to him to have made themselves certain of the Truth of it;
for to offer Aid to the Reputation of a Gentleman without a real
Necessity is surely no Advantage to it. A Letter was handed
about addressd to Mr. C. The Contents I never saw. His Confi
dential Friends signd it; other Gentlemen at their Request also
set their hands to it, perhaps with as much Indifference as a Man
of Business would give a Shilling to get rid of the Importunity of a
Beggar. I hear it is supposd in Watertown to be a Vote of Thanks
of the Congress to Mr. C. for his eminent Services, in which his
Recall is mentiond with Regrett; but this is most certainly a Mis
take. The Gentlemen signd it in their private Capacity with Sub
mission, should they not have addressd it to another person, or
publishd it to the World after the Manner of other Addresses?
For if they intended it to recommend Mr. C. to his own Constitu
ents, was it not hard to oblige him to blow the Trumpet himself
which they had prepard to sound his Praise. But Major Osgood
is in haste; I must therefore drop this Subject for the present and
conclude, affectionately yours.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
March 21, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I have not reed more than one Letter from
you since I left you and that was a very Short one. I have written
as often as I could. If you get a Sight of the New York and Phila-
I On January 18 Massachusetts had reflected its representatives in Congress, but chose
Elbridge Gerry in the place of Gushing.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 213
delphia News Papers you will see what a mighty Question is before
the Tribunal of the Public. The Decision is yet in suspence, but a
Guess may be formed what it will be.
The Day before Yesterday the Committee of Observation of
this City, a virtuous brave and patriotic Body of Men 100 ii>
Number, voted with only one dissentient Voice to petition their
Assembly now sitting, to repeal their deadly Instructions to their
Delegates in Congress. This Assembly a few days ago, upon a
Petition from the Same Committee and some other Bodies, has
voted seventeen additional Members in order to make the Repre
sentation of this Province more adequate.
You will soon see a sett of Resolutions, which will please you -
the Continental Vessells the Provincial Vessells and Letters of
Marque and Privateers will be let loose upon British Trade.1
I hope, and believe it will not be long before Trade will be open.
Foreign Nations, all the World I hope, will be invited to come
here, and our People permitted to go to all the World except the
Dominions of him, who is adjudged to be Nerone Neronior.
I think the Utmost Encouragement must be given to Trade,
and therefore We must lay no Duties at present upon Exports and
Imports, nor attempt to confine our Trade to our own Bottoms
or our own seamen. This for the present.
We have so much Work to do, by sea and Land, and so few
Hands to do it, that We shall not be under any Necessity, nor will
it be good Policy, I think, to attempt such Restrictions as yet.
The Act of Assembly here for seventeen additional Representa
tives will give a finishing Blow to the Quaker Interest in this City
— at least to its Ascendency. It will strip it of all that unjust and
unequal Power which it formerly had over the Ballance of the
Province. The Tories here, attribute this Maneuvre to your
Friends, to whom you are sometimes so partial. If the Charge is
true, the Posterity of Pennsylvania will have cause to bless your
Friends from Generation to Generation.
You can't think how much I am flattered with it. As I have
the Pleasure of a particular Acquaintance and frequent friendly
Conversations with several Gentlemen of this City belonging to
I Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 229.
214 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
the Committee of Observation I am inclined to hope, that a small
Portion of this Merit is due to me. But I would not be too vain
and proud of it.
[No signature.]
JAMES BOWDOIN TO MERCY WARREN
MlDDLEBOROUGH, March 23, 1776
I perfectly agree with you, Dear Madam, that G. Britain is in
a disgraceful situation, not only with regard to what you have
with great Propriety instanced in, but also in her sending Com
missioners to treat with those she calls Rebels. These Commission
ers are probably by this time arrived at Philadelphia, but how they
can introduce with a good grace, the errand they are come upon,
is difficult to conjecture. We are told they will not have anything
to do with the Congress, but will treat with the Colonies sepe-
rately. If this be their plan, it requires no great share of the
prophetic spirit to foretell, they will not be able to execute it; for
it is not likely that any of the united Colonies will enter into a
seperate treaty with them, but will undoubtedly refer them to the
Congress, which represents the whole, and which for many reasons
is the only suitable body to negotiate with them. The ministry
have hitherto refused to acknowledge that body as the Representa
tive of the Colonies, and do not allow that the Colonies conjunctly
can legally be represented at all; and from hence, and also from
the hope of gaining advantages by seperate treaties, proceeds the
disinclination to treat with the Congress. But it appears likely
they must bring their stomachs to it, if they mean to do anything
in a way of negotiation. The Commissioners have undoubtedly a
discretional power to act according as they find things circum
stanced; and when they are informed of the disgraceful precipitate
flight of their troops from Boston, the firmness and entirety of the
union of the Colonies, and their preparedness and capacity to
defend themselves, and therefore that the british troops can make
no great impression, they will condescend, I imagine, to treat with
the Congress. But if you should ask, Madame, how will the Con
gress conduct on this occasion? My answer is, extremely well; for
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 215
it is manifest by their proceedings hitherto, they are good politi-
tians, and have requisites for negotiation — good sense, historical
knowledge, and integrity. The two former of these will secure
them from imposition and circumvention, and the latter, I trust,
from bribery and corruption. If they are not corruptible, we need
not be distressed about the issue of the negotiation. But as
M[inis]try are said to be complete Adepts in the practice and acts
of bribery, it is highly probable those they employ on so interesting
and important an occasion are not less so; and come amply pro
vided from the national coffers with the means of it. They are
therefore in an especial manner to be guarded against in that view.
If a treaty should be entered upon, I apprehend it cannot be done
with dignity and propriety on the part of America, before the
whole british Armament both by sea and land depart from Amer
ica; and this ought to be insisted on as an essential preliminary to
the negotiation. In this idea some Europeans do, and all Ameri
cans should, concur.
As to the treaty itself, in order to be lasting, it must be founded
on meer interest, the mutual interest of the parties; the free dis
cussion and settlement of which imply mutual independance,
without which it is in vain to expect they can take place. In order
to such a discussion, settlement, does it not seem necessary on our
part, there should be a declaration of independance on Great
Britain? and without such a declaration, must not the Congress
enter upon the treaty with great disadvantage? as their silence
on that head will be construed to imply an acknowledgement,
that the Interests of America are to be considered as subordinate
to those of Great Britain, and to be regarded no farther than they
have a tendency to promote her interests.
Divers objections may be made against such a declaration: but
I would refer the objector to that excellent Pamphlet intitled
Common Sense; which, if he is not influenced by private interest
and attachment, will probably silence all his objections, and disci-""
pie him to the author's doctrine, that an Independance on_Great
^ bein^-of
the_Cc4onies. Thus, Madame, in obedience to your Command,
for such I esteem the most distant intimation of your pleasure, I
216 Warren- Adams Letters 1*776
have given you some crude thoughts on the subject of the expected
negotiation. I wish they were intitled to the approbation of so
good a judge in politics. Such as they are, I beg leave to submit
them to your candour, and am with the greatest Esteem, Madame,
your most obedt. and very hble. servt.,
JAMES BOWDOIN
We all present our best regards to you and your good Gentle
man, who we hope is perfectly recovered. The report of my
D[aughter]'s i arrival is a mistake.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
March 29, 1776
Since the joyfull News of the Reduction of Boston by the Forces
of the united Colonies, my Mind has been constantly engaged
with Plans and Schemes for the Fortification of the Islands and
Channells in Boston Harbour. I think that if Cannon and Ammu
nition, in the necessary Quantities can possibly be obtained, Forti
fications ought to be erected upon Point Alderton, Lovells Island,
George's Island, Castle Island and Governor's Island, Long
Island and Moon Island, and Squantum, the Heights of Dorches
ter and Charlestown and Noddle's Island. The Expence of the
Quantities of Cannon necessary to make this Harbour impregnable,
will be very great, But this must not be regarded.
Cannot Vesseaux de Frize be placed in the Channell? Cannot
Hulks be sunk? Cannot Booms be laid across? Nay, cannot the
Channell be filled up or at least obstructed with Stone?
Cannot Fire be employed as a Defence? I mean Fire Ships and
Fire Rafts? Cannot Gallies or floating Batteries be used to
Advantage?
We suppose that the Fleet and Army, under General Howe are
gone to Hallif ax with Design to go up the River of Saint Lawrence,
as early as possible in the Spring. They may go up the River early
in May, if not the latter end of April.
I Elizabeth, who had married, in 1767, John Temple, then Surveyor-General of Customs,
and later Sir John Temple.
Warren- Adams Letters 217
We are taking Measures to give them such a Reception as they
ought to have.
The Baron de Woedke is gone to Canada, a Brigadier. A Lady
at Braintree can furnish you with his Credentials which are very
good. He is a great officer.
Pray appoint a Committee to look for Sulphur in our Colony,
and let me know what Progress Salt Petre makes.
[No signature.]
Favoured by Francis Dana, Esq.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, March 30, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — When I wrote you last I was at Plymouth
sick and confined. I did not return to this place till three days ago.
On my way Mrs. Warren and I lodged at Braintree, and had the
pleasure of finding Mrs. Adams and family well. Here I find the
world turned topsy turvy to such a degree that I can scarcely
realize the present appearances of things; the enemies army fled
and our own marching into other colonies. The last division of the
British fleet sailed on Wednesday last. I had a view of them with
out the lighthouse from Pens Hill, about sixty or seventy sail.
They made a pretty appearance. What their destination is we are
not able to ascertain. The general opinion is that they are gone
to Halifax, and some circumstances seem to confirm it. I presume
before this you have had a full account of their principle embarka
tion, their fright and their depredations, etc., etc. Two or three
ships only, with one of their store ships ashore on George's Island,
remain in the harbour. Four hundred of our men under the com
mand of Colonel Tupper l were to have gone last evening on
Petticks Island with some artillery, to render their station uneasy,
and perhaps destroy the store ship. I suppose the storm may have
prevented. What is to be the next movement of the British fleet
and army, I can't devise. There is no reasoning on their conduct
and I must leave abler heads than mine to conjecture. The Gen
eral proposes to leave only four or five regiments here. This num-
i Benjamin Tupper (1738-1792).
218 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
her we think very small, considering that we have been first and
principally marked for vengeance and destruction, and the possi
bility and even probability that the attack may be renewed, as
well as the necessity of fortifying the harbour of Boston.1 But we
must submit. We have a committee gone to view the harbour of
Boston, and to report the best method of securing it. Whether
that will be best done by fortifications or by obstructing the chan
nels, or by both, I can't say, but surely it ought to be done effec
tually and speedily. Who is to command here I don't learn. Gen
eral Ward perhaps, if his resignation (which I hear he has sent)
don't prevent, by being accepted before a subsequent letter he is
said to have wrote reaches you.2
Upon my arrival here I applyed to the General to know what he
expected from me as paymaster on this occassion. His answer was
that he expected I should go with the army, but was content, if it
was more agreeable to me, that I should send somebody I could
rely on. I could not see the necessity of this, as there must be and
undoubtedly is a paymaster at [New] York; but he thought it
regular the Paymaster General should be with the Commander in
Chief. As my interest and connections here are such as would ren
der it very disagreeable and scarcely honourable for me to leave
this Colony, for the emoluments of that office, I desired him to
accept my resignation. But as I was appointed by Congress, he
declined it. I am therefore obliged to employ Mr. William Win-
throp to accompany the army to [New] York. I can confide in
him as well as any young gentleman, but I don't incline to trust
such a risque in any hands. I shall therefore inclose to Congress,
or rather to the President, a resignation, which you will please to
see, seal and deliver, if I am not to be continued here.3 How the
troops that are left are to be paid and supported without a pay
master, I don't know. If a committee could be appointed this way
to examine my accounts, I should be glad; if not, I suppose I must
1 On March 25 the House of Representatives had asked Washington to leave six regi
ments of the continental troops and two companies of the artillery train, instead of the
three or four he had said he intended to leave. Journals.
2 On April 23 Congress accepted the resignations of Major General Ward and Brigadier
General Frye. Writings of George Washington (Ford), iv. i.
3 It was laid before Congress April 18, referred to a committee composed of George Read,
George Clinton and Carter Braxton, and accepted on the following day.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 219
send to Philadelphia. The Council have appointed Colonel Foster
and Sullivan judges of the Superiour Court, but some of the
Council make difficulties about the last, and I can't tell how it will
issue.1 We have nothing material before the court.
I congratulate you on the success of our arms in North Carolina.
We hear nothing from Quebec. As the seat of war is changing you
will of course have shorter letters in future. All kinds of intelli
gence I am now to expect from you. When shall we hear that we
are independent? Where are the Commissioners? What is become
of our fleet, etc., etc. Remember you have not wrote me a long
time. My compliments to all friends. Adieu, says your sincere
friend, etc.
April 3, 1776. Yesterday Fessenden arrived. I thank you for a
letter by him. It gives me fresh spirits. Thank Mr. Gerry for his
last. I will write him as soon as I can. I am now much hurried, as
the army is in such motion. I trust and believe there will be abun
dant reason for many generations yet to come to bless my particu
lar friends. We are forming under the auspices and great influence
of — a fee bill that will drive every man of interest and ability out
of office. I dread the consequences of the leveling spirit, encour
aged and drove to such lengths as it is. As to more general matters,
people are as they should be, the harvest is mature. I can't de
scribe the sighing after independence; it is universal. Nothing
remains of that prudence, moderation or timidity with which we
have so long been plagued and embarrassed. All are united in this
question.
The letter I mentioned above to your President I have sent
open to you, not only that you might see it, but that you might do
with it as you please. If you would advise me yet to hold this
place, you will keep it in your own hands. I shall be perfectly
satisfied with whatever you do with it, knowing that friendship
will direct your conduct in this matter. I can hardly determine
what to do myself, not having such circumstances to judge from
as you have. I have forwarded your letters, etc., to Mrs. Adams
this day. No news since I wrote the above, only that the fleet have
I Jedidiah Foster and James Sullivan. They were both appointed.
220 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
steered eastward, and one of the Tory sloops is ashore on Cape
Cod with a large quantity of English goods, and Black Jolly Allen
and some other Tories.1 We have had a false alarm from Newport.
I recollect nothing else. This indeed is not a day of recollection
with me, not having time even to overlook this scroll. Your ships
I fear will, when done, wait for men. It will take time to inlist
them.
%
MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MERCY WARREN
CAMBRIDGE, April the 2nd, 1776
MADAM, — You may be assured that nothing would give the
General or me greater pleasure than to wait upon you at dinner
this day, but his time is so totally engrossed by applications from
one department and another, and [by the preparation of a R]eport,
in which last I am also concerned and busy — as indeed all the
Family are — that it is not in any of our powers to accept your
polite and friendly Invitation, nor will it be in my power. I am
persuaded, to thank you personally for the polite attention, you
have shewn me since I came into this province. I must therefore
beg your acceptance of them in this way and at this time, and that
you will be assured that I shall hold them in gratefull remem
brance. I am desired by the General to offer you his sincere thanks
for your kind wishes and to present his compliments along with
Mr. and Mrs. Custis's 2 and my own to you and Cols. Warren.
With every sentiment of esteem I am and shall remane to be,
your much obliged Friend and Hble. Servant.
[Signature cut.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
April 3, 1776
DEAR SIR, — As foreign Affairs become every day more interest
ing to Us no Pains should be spared to acquire a thorough Knowl
edge of them, and as the inclosed Extract contains some observa-
1 Allen's account of his treatment and experiences is printed in I Proceedings, xvi. 69.
2 John Parke Custis and Eleanor Calvert Custis.
Warren- Adams Letters
221
tions which are new to me I thought it might not be uninteresting
to you.
Howe has put 3000 Troops on board of Transports which lie,
or at least lay last Saturday, at Staten Island. Whether this is a
Feint or a serious Maneuvre, with Intention to go to the Eastern
shore of Cheasapeak Bay, as they give out, I dont know or whether
they aim at this City. I rather Suspect they mean another Course,
i.e. up Hudsons River but Time will discover.
For God's sake and the Land's sake send along your Troops.
They are wanted very much — • I hope General Washington has
informed you how much. Troops are now coming from North
Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. If they come here We shall
have scuffle for this City. The Languor of New England surprises
me. If there had been half the Energy in those Governments that
there was two years ago, Howe would now have been in Another
World or the most miserable Man in this.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
April 1 6, 1776
MADAM, — Not untill yesterday's Post did your agreeable Fa
vour of March the Tenth come to my Hands. It gave me great
Pleasure, and altho in the distracted Kind of Life I am obliged to
lead, I cannot promise to deserve a Continuance of so excellent a
Correspondence, yet I am determined by Scribbling Something
or other, be it what it may, to provoke it.
The Ladies I think are the greatest Politicians that I have the
Honour to be acquainted with, not only because they act upon the
Sublimest of all the Principles of Policy, viz., that Honesty is the
best Policy, but because they consider Questions more coolly than
those who are heated with Party Zeal and inflamed with the bitter
Contentions of active public Life.
I know of no Researches in any of the sciences more ingenious
than those which have been made after the best Forms of Govern
ment, nor can there be a more agreeable Employment to a benevo
lent Heart. The Time is now approaching when the Colonies will
222 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
find themselves under a Necessity, of engaging in Earnest in this
great and indispensible Work. I have ever Thought it the most
difficult and dangerous Part of the Business Americans have to do
in this mighty Contest, to contrive some Method for the Colonies
to glide insensibly, from under the old Government, into a peace
able and contented submission to new ones. It is a long Time
since this Opinion was conceived, and it has never been out of my
Mind. My constant Endeavour has been to convince Gentlemen
of the Necessity of turning their Thoughts to these subjects. At
present, the sense of this Necessity seems to be general, and Meas
ures are taking which must terminate in a compleat Revolution.
There is Danger of Convulsions, but I hope, not great ones.
The Form of Government, which you admire, when its Princi
ples are pure is admirable, indeed, it is productive of every Thing,
which is great and excellent among Men. But its Principles are
as easily destroyed, as human Nature is corrupted. Such a Gov
ernment is only to be supported by pure Religion or Austere Mor
als. Public Virtue cannot exist in a Nation without private, and
public Virtue is the only Foundation of Republics. There must be
a positive Passion for the public good, the public Interest, Honour,
Power and Glory, established in the Minds of the People, or there
can be no Republican Government, nor any real Liberty: and this
public Passion must be Superiour to all private Passions. Men
must be ready, they must pride themselves, and be happy to sacri
fice their private Pleasures, Passions and Interests, nay, their pri
vate Friendships and dearest Connections, when they stand in
Competition with the Rights of Society.
Is there in the World a Nation, which deserves this Character?
There have been several, but they are no more. Our dear Ameri
cans perhaps have as much of it as any Nation now existing, and
New England perhaps has more than the rest of America. But I
have seen all along my Life Such Selfishness and Littleness even in
New England, that I sometimes tremble to think that, altho We
are engaged in the best Cause that ever employed the Human
Heart yet the Prospect of success is doubtful not for Want of
Power or of Wisdom but of Virtue.
The Spirit of Commerce, Madam, which even insinuates itself
i?76] Warren* Adams Letters 223
into Families, and influences holy Matrimony, and thereby cor
rupts the morals of families as well as destroys their Happiness, it
is much to be feared is incompatible with that purity of Heart and
Greatness of soul which is necessary for an happy Republic.
This Same Spirit of Commerce is as rampant in New England
as in any Part of the World. Trade is as well understood and as
passionately loved there as any where.
Even the Farmers and Tradesmen are addicted to Commerce;
and it is too true that Property is generally the standard of Re
spect there as much as anywhere. While this is the Case there is
great Danger that a Republican Government would be very fac
tious and turbulent there. Divisions in Elections are much to be
dreaded. Every man must seriously set himself to root out his
Passions, Prejudices and Attachments, and to get the better of
his private Interest. The only reputable Principle and Doctrine
must be that all Things must give Way to the public.
This is very grave and solemn Discourse to a Lady. True, and
I thank God, that his Providence has made me Acquainted with
two Ladies at least who can bear it. I think Madam, that the
Union of the Colonies, will continue and be more firmly cemented.
But We must move slowly. Patience, Patience, Patience! I am
obliged to invoke this every Morning of my Life, every Noon and
every Evening.
It is surprising to me that any among you should flatter them
selves with an Accommodation. Every appearance is against it,
to an Attentive observer. The Story of Commissioners is a Bub
ble. Their real Errand is an Insult. But popular Passions and
Fancies will have their Course, you may as well reason down a Gale
of Wind.
You expect if a certain Bargain Should be complied with to be
made acquainted with noble and Royal Characters. But in this
you will be disappointed. Your Correspondent, has neither Prin
ciples, nor Address, nor Abilities for such Scenes, and others are
as sensible of it, I assure you, as he is. They must be Persons of
more Complaisance and Ductility of Temper as well as better
Accomplishments for such great Things.
He wishes for nothing less, he wishes for nothing more than to
v
224 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
retire from all public Stages and public Characters, great and
small, to his Farm and his Attorney's Office and to both these he
must return.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, April 16, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I have not yet congratulated you on the unex
pected and happy Change of our Affairs in the removal of the
Rebel Army from Boston. Our worthy Friend Major H[awley] in
his Letter to me declines giving me Joy on this Occasion. He
thinks it best to put off the Ceremony till the Congress shall pro
claim Independency. In my Opinion, however, it becomes us to
rejoyce and religiously to acknowledge the Goodness of the Su
preme Being who in this Instance hath signally appeard for us.
Our Countrymen are too wise to suffer this favorable Event to put
them off their Guard. They will fortify the Harbour of Boston,
still defend the Sea Coasts and keep the military Spirit univer
sally alive. I perfectly agree with the Major in his Opinion of the
Necessity of proclaiming Independency. The Salvation of this
Country depends upon its being done speedily. I am anxious to
have it done. Every Day's Delay trys my Patience. I can give
you not the least Color of a Reason why it is not done. We are
told that Commissioners are coming out to offer us such Terms of
Reconciliation as we may with Safety accept of. Why then should
we shut the Door? This is all Amusement. I am exceedingly
disgusted when I hear it mentiond. Experience should teach us
to pay no Regard to it. We know that it has been the constant
Practice of the King and his Junto ever since this Struggle began
to endeavor to make us believe their Designs were pacifick, while
they have been meditating the most destructive Plans, and they
insult our understandings by attempting thus to impose upon us
even while they are putting these Plans into Execution. Can the
King repeal or dispense with Acts of Parliament? Would he
repeal the detestable Acts which we have complaind of, if it was
in his Power. Did he ever show a Disposition to do Acts of Jus-
1 77 6] barren- Adams Letters 225
tice and redress the Grievances of his Subjects? Why then do
Gentlemen expect it? They do not scruple to own that he is a
Tyrant; Are they then willing to be his Slaves and dependent
upon a Nation so lost to all Sense of Liberty and Virtue as to en
able and encourage him to act the Tyrant? This has been done by
the British Nation against the Remonstrances of common Hon
esty and common Sense. They are now doing it and will continue
to do it, until we break the Band of Connection and publickly
avow an Independence. It is Folly for us to suffer ourselves any
longer to be amusd. Reconciliation upon reasonable Terms is no
Part of their Plan: The only Alternative is Independence or Slav
ery. Their Designs still are as they ever have been to subjugate
us. Our unalterable Resolution should be to be free. They have
attempted to subdue us by Force, but God be praisd! in vain.
Their Arts may be more dangerous than their Arms. Let us then
renounce all Treaty with them upon any score but that of total
Seperation, and under God trust our Cause to our Swords. One
of our moderate prudent Whigs would be startled at what I now
write — I do not correspond with such kind of Men. You know
I never overmuch admired them. Their Moderation has brought
us to this Pass, and if they were to be regarded, they would con
tinue the Conflict a Century. There are such moderate Men here,
but their Principles are daily going out of Fashion. The Child
Independence is now struggling for Birth. I trust that in a short
time it will be brought forth and in Spite of Pharaoh all America
shall hail the dignified Stranger.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
April 1 6, 1776
DEAR SIR, — I agree with you in yours of 30 March in opinion
that five Regiments are too Small a Force to be left with you, con
sidering the Necessity of fortifying the Harbour, and the Danger
there is that the Enemy may renew their Designs upon our Prov
ince. Am happy to learn that you have sent a Committee to view
the Harbour of Boston and report the best Method of Securing it.
226 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
When this Report is made I beg it may be transmitted to me. I
wish you could transmit to me a good Plan of the Harbour at the
same Time, for I want to convince this Congress that that Har
bour may be made as strong and impregnable as Gibraltar, that
they may be induced to contribute somewhat to the Fortification
of it. I have a great opinion of the Efficacy of Fire, both in Rafts
and Ships, for the Defence of that Harbour, among the numerous
Shoals and Narrows and the Multitudes of Islands. Will not
Row Gallies be very usefull? Would not they dodge about among
those Islands and hide themselves at one Time, and make them
selves dangerous to a ship at another?
Batteries must not be omitted upon the Heights on the Islands.
Nor must We forget to obstruct the Channell. I am a miserable
Engineer, I believe, but I will not Scruple to expose my own
Ignorance in this Usefull science for the Sake of throwing out any
broken Hints for refreshing the Memories of others who know
more. If I was to write a Letter to my little Tom1 I should say
something to him about fortifying Boston Harbour.
Your Letter to the President I have shewn to My Friends
Mr. Adams and Mr. Gerry. It has puzzled me a little what to do
with it; but We are all of opinion upon the whole that it will be
most for your Honour to deliver it, and indeed for your Interest,
for there will be too much Risque in trusting this office to any one
you can employ at a Distance from you.
You inform me that the Council have appointed [Foster] and
[Sullivan] Judges. What, sir, do you think must be my Feelings
upon this Occasion? I wish you would acquaint me whether
Mr. Reed has accepted, and what the Court intends to do, about
the Commissions and Salaries of the Judges. Whether they are to
lie at the Mercy of Coll. Thompson, Coll. Bowers and Mr. Brown
of Abington.
This is a great Constitutional Point in which the Lives, Liber
ties, Estates, and Reputations of the people are concerned, as well
as the Order and Firmness of Government in all its Branches, and
the Morals of the People besides. I may be suspected of sinister
and interested Views in this, but I will give any Man a Pension
I Thomas Boylston Adams (1772-1805).
i?76] Warren- Adams Letters 227
out of my own private Fortune to take my Place. ^It is upon
Principle, and from this Principle, let Major Hawley think of it as
he may, I cannot depart.
You will learn the Exploits of our Fleet, before you get this.
They have behaved as all our Forces behave by Sea and Land.
Every day convinces us that our People are equal to every Serv
ice of War or Peace by Sea or Land.
You say the Sigh's for Independence are universal. You say too
what I can scarcely believe, that Moderation and Timidity are at
an End. How is this possible? Is Cunning at an End too — and
Reserve — and hinting against a Measure that a Man dare not
oppose directly or disapprove openly? Is trimming at an End too?
and Duplicity? and Hypocrisy? If they are, I give you Joy, sir,
of a group of Tyrants gone. But I have not yet Faith in all this.
You deal in theMarvellous like a Traveller. As to the Sighs, what
are they after? Independence? Have We not been independent
these twelve Months, wanting Three days?
Have you seen the Privateering Resolves? Are not these Inde
pendence enough for my beloved Constituents? Have you seen
the Resolves for opening our Ports to all Nations ? L Are these Inde
pendence enough? What more would you have? Why Methinks I
hear you say, We want to compleat our Form and Plan of Gov
ernment. Why don't you petition Congress then for Leave to
establish such a Form as shall be most conducive to the Happiness
of the People? But you say, Why don't the Southern Colonies
Seize upon the Government? That I can't answer — but by all
We can learn they are about it, every where. We want a Confed
eration, you will say. True. This must be obtained. But we are
united now, they say, and the Difference between Union and Con
federation is only the same with that between an express and an
implied Contract.
But We ought to form Alliances. With Whom? What Alliances?
You don't mean to exchange British for French tyranny. No, You
don't mean to ask the Protection of French Armies. No, we had
better depend upon our own. We only Want commercial Treaties.
I The resolutions on privateering were adopted March 23, and those on trade, April 6.
Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 231, 257.
228 barren- A dams Letters [1776
Try the Experiment without them. But France and England will
part the Continent between them. Perhaps so, but both will have
good luck to get it.
But you will say what is your own opinion of these Things? I
answer, I would not tell you all that I have said, and written, and
done in this Business for a shilling, because Letters are now a days
jumpd after. Why don't your Honours of the General Court, if
you are so unanimous in this, give positive Instructions to your
own Delegates, to promote Independency. Don't blame your
Delegates untill they have disobeyed your Instructions in favour
of Independency. The S[outhern] Colonies say you are afraid.
[No signature.]
MERCY WARREN TO ABIGAIL ADAMS ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, April 17, 1776
If my dear friend required only a very long Letter to make it
agreeable, I could Easily Gratify her, but I know there Must be
Many More Requisits to make it pleaseing to her taste. If you
Measure by lines, I can at once comply; if by Sentiment, I fear I
shall fall short. But as a Curiosity seems to be awake with Respect
to the Company I keep and the Manner of Spending My time, I
will Endeavor to Gratify you. I arrived at my lodgings before
dinner the day I left you: found an obligeing family, Convenient
Room and in the Main an Agreeable Set of Lodgers. Next Morn
ing I took a ride to Cambridge and waited on Mrs. W[ashingto]n,
at a II o'clock, where J_ was Received with that politeness and
Respect shown in a first interview among the well bred, and with
the Ease and Cordiality of friendship of a Much Earlier date. If
you wish to hear more of this Lady's Character, I will tell you the
Complacency of her Manners Speaks at once the Benevolence of
her heart, and her affability, Cander, and Gentleness Qualify her
to soften the hours of private Life, or to Sweeten the Cares of the
Hero, and Smooth the Rugged pains of War. I did not dine with
her, tho Much Urged. She desired me to Name an Early hour in
the Morning when She would send her Chariot and accompany
me to see the deserted Lines of the Enemy and the Ruins of
1776] Warren-Adams Letters 229
Charleston, a Melancholy Sight, the last which Evinces the Bar
barity of the Foe and leaves a deep impression of the Sufferings of
that unhappy Town. Mr. Custice is the only Son of the Lady
above described — a Sensible, Modest, agreeable Young Man.
His Lady, a daughter of Coll. Calverts of Mariland, appears to be
as [of] an Engaging Disposition, but of so Extrem Delicate a
Constitution that it Deprives her as well as her friends of part of
the pleasure which I am persuaded would result from her Conver
sation did she Enjoy a greater Share of Health. She is pritty gen
teel, Easey and agreeable, but a kind of Langour about her pre
vents her being sociable as some Ladies. Yet it is evident it is not
owing to that want of Vivacity which Renders Youth agreeable,
but to a want of health which a Little Clouds her Spirits. This
family which Consists of about 8 or 9 was prevented dining with
us the Tuesday following by an Alarm from Newport, but calld
and took leave of us the Next day, when I own I felt that kind of
pain which arises from Affections when the Object of Esteem is
Seperated perhaps forever. After this I kept House a Week amus
ing Myself with My Book, My work, and Sometimes a Letter to an
absent friend. My Next Visit was to Mrs. Morgan, but as you are
acquainted with her I shall Not be particular with regard to her
person or Manners. The Dr. and she dined with us last Saturday
in Company with General Putnam's Lady. She is what is Com
monly called a very Good kind of Woman, and Commands Esteem
without the Graces of politeness, the Briliancy of Wit, or theMerits
of peculiar Understanding above the Rest of her Sex, yet to be
Valued for an Honest, unornamented, plain hearted friendship
Discovered in her Deportment at the first acquaintance. All
other Characters or Occurrences I shall leave for another opper-
tunity — only shall Mention a Lady who has been a Lodger in
our family for a week past and has been a great addition to the
Chearfulness and Good Humour of the family. It is a Mrs. Orn
of Marblehead,1 a well disposed pleasant agreeable Woman.
The more regard you Express for a friend of Mine, the Greater
My Obligation. I have sent forward My Letter to Mr. Adams, but
Suppose I should have No answer unless Stimulated by you.
I Both Azor and Joshua Orne were members of the House at this time.
230 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
Therefore when you write again you will not forget your affection
ate,
MARCIA
P.S. I am very Glad to hear Coll. Quincy's family are well to
whom my regards.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
April 20th, 1776
Last evening a Letter was received by a Friend of yours, from
Mr. John Penn, one of the Delegates from North Carolina, lately
returned home to attend the Convention of that Colony, in which
he informs, that he heard nothing praised in the Course of his
Journey, .r^ut Common Sense and Independence. That this was
the Cry throughout Virginia. That North Carolina were making
great Preparations for War, and were determined to die poor and
to die hard if they must die in Defence of their Liberties. That
they had repealed, or should repeal their Instructions to their
Delegates against Independence. That South Carolina had as
sumed a Government, chosen a Council, and John Rutledge, Esqr.,
President of that Council, with all the Powers of a Governor; that
they have appointed Judges, and that Drayton1 is Chief Justice.
"In short, sir," says this Letter, "the Vehemence of the Southern
Colonies is such as will require the Coolness of the Northern
Colonies, to restrain them from running to Excess."
Inclosed you have a little Pamphlet, the Rise and Progress of
which you shall be told. Mr. Hooper and Mr. Penn of North
Carolina received from their Friends in that Colony very pressing
Instances to return home and attend the Convention, and at the
Same Time to bring with them every Hint they could collect con
cerning Government.
Mr. Hooper applied to a certain Gentleman,2 acquainted him
with the Tenor of his Letters, and requested that Gentleman to
give him his sentiments upon the subject. Soon afterwards Mr.
Penn applied to the Same Gentleman and acquainted him with
the Contents of his Letters, and requested the Same Favour.
i William Henry Drayton (1742-1779). 2 John Adams.
T-H OUGHTS
GOVERNMENT:
APPLICABLE TO
THE PRESENT STATE
AMERICAN COLONIES
la a LETTER from a GENTLEMAN
To his FRIIND.
PHILADELPHIA!
>IINT1B BT JOHN DUtfLAP,
M,PC C, LXXt.f,
JOHN ADAMS' TRACT
From the Ford collection in the New York Public Library
A*y
THOUGHTS"
ON
GOVERNMENT^
4
APPLICABLE TO
THE PRESENT STATE
V oi
AMERICAN COLONIES,
In . I E T T E R from a
To his
I B O S T o
RI-PUNTE* ST JOHN GILL,
JOHN ADAMS' TRACT
From the Ford collection in the New York Public Library
1776] Warren-Adams Letters 231
The Time was very short. However the Gentleman thinking
it an opportunity providentially thrown in his Way, of communi
cating Some Hints upon a subject which seems not to have been
sufficiently considered in the Southern Colonies, and so of turning
the Thoughts of Gentlemen that Way, concluded to borrow a
little Time from his Sleep and accordingly wrote with his own
Hand, a Sketch, which he copied, giving the original to Mr.
Hooper and the Copy to Mr. Penn, which they carried with them
to Carolina. Mr. Wythe getting a sight of it, desired a Copy which
the Gentleman made out from his Memory as nearly as he could.
Afterwards Mr. Serjeant of New Jersey requested another, which
the Gentleman made out again from Memory, and in this he en
larged and amplified a good deal, and sent it to Princetown. After
this Coll. Lee, requested the same Favour, but the Gentleman
having written amidst all his Engagements five Copies, or rather
five sketches, for no one of them was a Copy of the other, which
amounted to Ten Sheets of Paper, pretty full and in a fine Hand,
was quite weary of the office. To avoid the Trouble of writing any
more he borrowed Mr. Wythe's Copy and lent it to Coll. Lee, who
has put it under Types and thrown it into the shape you see.1 It
is a Pity it had not been Mr. Serjeant's Copy, for that is larger
and more compleat, perhaps more correct. This is very incorrect,
and not truly printed. The Design however is to mark out a Path,
and putt Men upon thinking. I would not have this Matter com
municated.
I think by all the Intelligence We have that North Carolina
Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey will erect Governments, be
fore the Month of June expires. And, if New York should do so
too, Pennsylvania, will not neglect it — at least I think so.
There is a particular Circumstance relative to Maryland, which
you will learn e'er long, but am not at Liberty to mention at
present, but will produce important Consequences in our favour,
I think.
But, after Governments shall be assumed, and a confederation
formed, We shall have a long obstinate and bloody War to go
I Thoughts on Government : applicable to the present State of the American Colonies. Phila.,
1776, and reprinted in Boston.
232 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
through and all the Arts, and Intrigues of our Enemies as well as
the Weakness and Credulity of our Friends to guard against.
A Mind as vast as the Ocean or Atmosphere is necessary to
penetrate and comprehend all the intricate and complicated Inter
ests which compose the Machine of the Confederate Colonies. It
requires all the Philosophy I am Master of, and more than all, at
Times to preserve that Serenity of Mind and Steadiness of Heart
which is necessary to watch the Motions of Friends and Enemies,
of the Violent and the Timid, the Credulous and the dull, as well as
the Wicked.
But if I can contribute ever so little towards preserving the
Principles of Virtue and Freedom in the World my Time and Life
will be not ill spent.
A Man must have a wider Expansion of Genius than has fallen
to my share to see to the End of these great Commotions. But
on such a full Sea are We now afloat that We must be content to
trust to Winds and Currents with the best Skill We have under a
kind Providence to land us in a Port of Peace, Liberty and Safety.
\No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
April 22, 1776
The Management of so complicated and mighty a Machine, as
the United Colonies, requires the Meekness of Moses, the Patience,
of Job and the Wisdom of Solomon, added to the Valour of
David.
They are advancing by slow but sure Steps, to that mighty
Revolution, which You and I have expected for Some Time.
Forced Attempts to accellerate their Motions, would have been
attended with Discontent and perhaps Convulsions.
^ The News from South Carolina has aroused and animated all the
Continent. It has Spread a visible Joy, and if North Carolina and
Virginia should follow the Example, it will spread through all the
rest of the Colonies like Electric Fire.
The Royal Proclamation, and the late Act of Parliament have
convinced the doubting and confirmed the timorous and wavering.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 233
The two Proprietary Colonies only are still cool, But I hope a few
Weeks will alter their Temper.
I think, it is now the precise Point of Time for our Council and
House of Representatives either to proceed to make such Altera
tions in our Constitution as they may judge proper, or to Send a
Petition to Philadelphia for the Consent of Congress to do it. It
will be considered as fresh Evidence of our Spirit and Vigour, and
will give Life and Activity and Energy to all the other Colonies.
Four Months ago, or indeed at any Time since you assumed a
Government, it might have been disagreeable and perhaps dan
gerous; but it is quite otherwise now. Another Thing, if you are
so unanimous in the Measure of Independency and wish for a
Declaration of it, now is the proper Time for you to instruct your
Delegates to that Effect. It would have been productive of
Jealousies, perhaps, and Animosities a few Months ago, but would
have a contrary Tendency now. The Colonies are all at this Mo
ment turning their Eyes that Way. Vast Majorities in all the
Colonies now see the Propriety and Necessity of taking the deci
sive Steps, and those who are averse to it are afraid to Say much
against it, and therefore Such an Instruction at this Time would
comfort and cheer the Spirits of your Friends, and would discour
age and dishearten your Enemies.
Coll. Whipple's Letters from New Hampshire are nearly in the
Same Strain with yours to me, vizt. that all are now united in the
great Question. His Letters inform him that even of the Protest
ers there is now but one left, who is not zealous for Independency.
I lament the Loss of Governor Ward exceedingly, because he
had many Correspondents in Rhode Island, whose Letters were
of service to Us, an Advantage which is now entirely lost.1
After all, my Friend, I do not att all Wonder, that so much
Reluctance has been shewn to the Measure of Independency. All
great Changes are irksome to the human Mind, especially those
which are attended with great Dangers and uncertain Effects.
No Man living can foresee the Consequences of such a Measure,
and therefore I think it ought not to have been undertaken untill
i Samuel Ward, a delegate from Rhode Island, died March 25, 1776. Journals of the
Continental Congress, iv. 236.
234 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
the Design of Providence by a Series of great Events had so plainly
marked out the Necessity of it that he who runs might read.
We may feel a Sanguine Confidence of our Strength! Yet in a
few Years it may be put to the Tryal.
We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular
Governments, but there is great Danger that these Governments
will not make Us happy. God grant they may. But I fear, that
in every Assembly, Members will obtain an Influence, by Noise
not Sense, by Meanness not Greatness, by Ignorance not Learning,
by contracted Hearts not large Souls. I fear, too, that it will be
impossible to convince and persuade People to establish wise
Regulations.
There is one Thing, my dear Sir, that must be attempted and
most Sacredly observed, or We are all undone. There must be a
Decency, and Respect, and Veneration introduced for Persons in
Authority, of every Rank, or We are undone. In a popular Gov
ernment, this is the only Way of supporting order, and in our Cir
cumstances, as our People have been so long without any Gov
ernment att all, it is more necessary than in any other. The
United Provinces were so sensible of this that they carried it to a
burlesque Extream.
I hope your Election in May will be the most solemn and joyfull
that ever took Place in the Province. I hope every Body will
attend. Clergy and Laity should go to Boston, every Body should
be gratefully pious and happy. It should be conducted with a
solemnity that may make an Impression on the whole People.
[No signature.]
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
BRAINTREE, April 27, 1776
I set myself down to comply with my Friend's request who I
think seems rather low spiritted.
I did write last week, but not meeting with an early conveyance
I thought the Letter of but little importance and tossed it away.
I acknowledg my Thanks due to my Friend for the entertainment
she so kindly afforded me in the Characters drawn in her Last Let-
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 235
ter, and if coveting my Neighbour's Goods was not prohibited by
the Sacred Law, I should be most certainly tempted to envy her
the happy talent she possesses above the rest of her Sex, by adorn
ing with her pen even trivial occurances, as well as Dignifying the
most important. Cannot you communicate some of those Graces
to your Friend and suffer her to pass them upon the World for her
own, that she may feel a Little more upon an Equality with you?
Tis true I often receive large packages from P[hiladelphi]a. They
contain, as I said before, more Newspapers than Letters. Tho
they are not forgotten, it would be hard indeed if absence had not
some alleviations.
I dare say he writes to no one unless to Portia oftener than to
your Friend, because I know there is no one besides in whom he
has an equal confidence. His Letters to me have been generally
short; but he pleads in Excuse the critical State of Affairs and the
Multiplicity of avocations and says further that he has been very
Busy, and writ near ten sheets of paper about some affairs which
he does not chuse to Mention for fear of accident. He is very
saucy to me in return for a List of Female Grievances which I
transmitted to him.1 I think I will get you to join me in a petition
to Congress. I thought it was very probable our wise Statesmen
would erect a New Government and form a New Code of Laws.
I ventured to speak a Word in behalf of our Sex who are rather
hardly Dealt with by the Laws of England, which gives such un
limited power to the Husband to use his Wife 111. I requested that
our Legislators would consider our case, and as all Men of Deli
cacy and Sentiment are averse to exercising the power they possess,
yet as there is a Natural propensity in Humane Nature to domi
nation, I thought the most Generous plan was to put it out of the
power of the Arbitrary and tyrannick to injure us with impunity
by establishing some Laws in our favour upon just and Liberal
principals.
I believe I even threatned fomenting a Rebellion in case we
were not considerd, and assured him we would not hold ourselves
bound by any Laws in which we had neither a voice nor represen
tation.
I Her letter of March 31, in Familiar Letters, 149.
236 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
In return he tells me he cannot but Laugh at my Extraordinary
Code of Laws; that he had heard their Struggle had loosned the
bonds of Government; that children and apprentices were diso
bedient; that Schools and Colledges were grown turbulent; that
Indians slighted their Guardians, and Negroes grew insolent to
their Masters. But my Letter was the first intimation that an
other Tribe more Numerous and powerfull than all the rest were
grown discontented. This is rather too coarse a compliment, he
adds, but that I am so sausy he won't blot it out.
So I have helpd the Sex abundantly; but I will tell him I have
only been making trial of the disinterestedness of his Virtue and
when weighd in the balance have found it wanting.
It would be bad policy to grant us greater power, say they, since
under all the disadvantages we labour we have the assendancy
over their" Hearts.
And charm by accepting, by submitting sway.1
I wonder Apollo and the Muses could not have indulged me
with a poetical Genious. I have always been a votary to her
charms, but never could ascend Parnassus myself. I am very
sorry to hear of the indisposition of your Friend. I am affraid it
will hasten his return and I do not think he can be spaired.
Though certain pains attend the cares of State
A Good Man owes his Country to be great
Should act abroad the high distinguishd part
Or shew at least the purpose of his heart.
Good Night, my Friend, you will be so good as to remember me
to our Worthy Friend, Mrs. W[inthrop]e when you see her, and
write soon to your
PORTIA
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, April 30, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR, — Were I as ceremonious as I suppose the ladies
will be about their tea visits, after the late indulgence of Congress,
I The letter of Mrs. Adams did produce effect. See John Adams to James Sullivan,
May 26, 1776. Works of John Adams, ix. 375.
1776] W^arren- Adams Letters 237
I should hardly have taken up my pen at this time to disturb your
repose, or interrupt your business. Are you sensible how seldom
you write to me, or does it proceed from choice or necessity? My
writing at this time is merely to discharge a duty of friendship.
I have scarcely a single thing to say that you don't already know.
No sort of intelligence is stirring here. We are still drudging on
at the General Court, much in the old way. Several bills are gone
and on their way through the Court. A confession bill, a fee bill,1
a bill to alter the stile from King, etc., to Government and people
of M. Bay,2 Another for a test,3 and some others of less impor
tance. The attention of the Court has been fixed on fortifying the
harbour and town of Boston.4 We have in the beginning of the
session chose a committee of both houses. All seem to be agreed
in the importance of the measure, and to be very zealous in pursu
ing it. But if you was told how little is yet effected, you would
certainly be astonished. The committee has from time to time
represented to us that General Ward could spare no men to go on
Noddle's Island, etc. We have therefore ordered one regiment of
728 men to be raised. This is not yet compleated, tho' we are
about it, and some few have come in. We have some thoughts of
another regiment to fortify below; but if you send us a spirited
general to succeed General Ward upon his resignation, the troops
here may do it without. I hope therefore you will send us one
that is active, and will dare to go into his works when constructed,
and fight upon occasion. I don't insist on his being a native of this
Colony. Rhode Island or New Hampshire will suit me as well.
Fort Hill is, however, at last got into a tolerable posture of de
fence, and the General has ordered some men to assist some we
hire by the day at the Castle, and works are going on pretty well
at Dorchester. No hulks are yet sunk: the people of Boston seem
much against it; and whether it will be done or not I can't say.
1 Mass. Acts and Laws, 1776, 36.
2 Journals, April 18. Mass. Acts and Laws, 1776, 49. " I hear our jurors refuse to serve,
because the writs are issued in the King's name." Abigail Adams to John Adams, April n,
1776. Familiar Letters, 153. It is significant that the caption in the official volume of Acts
and Laws changed abruptly on page 32 from " In the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of GEORGE
the Third, King, &c." to "In the Year of our LORD, One Thousand seven Hundred and
Seventy-six."
3 Mass. Acts and Laws, 1776, 36. 4 Journals, April 9, 22, 24.
238 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
We propose to rise this week. I hope we shall. I long to see my
little farm, etc. I expect to hear from you before I leave this town
on the subject of my last letter. Whoever is to command the
army, or to pay them, I would call your attention to the good
policy as well as justice of having some little money beforehand.
When the payment of the militia that last reinforced the army is
compleated, there will be little or nothing left; and the regiments
here have been paid only for the month of February, though the
General engaged to pay them monthly. This shortness of money
has very much injured the service. The manufacture of salt petre
continues to flourish abundantly; our powder makers find some
difficulty in graining it. Some arrivals of powder and arms. A
vessel belonging toNewbury is into Kennebeck with ten tons pow
der, ten tons sulphur, some cannon, etc. Mr. Gerry's brigantine
at Bilboa, was there five weeks ago, the powder landed and safe.
Her business was betrayed by a villain who was second mate. She
was stopped by the Consul, and the merchant intends shipping
the powder on other bottoms. My regards to all friends, especially
Mr. Adams and Gerry. I am your sincere friend, etc.
We looked for a declaration of independence, and behold, an
indulgence to drink tea.
Since writing the inclosed I have received a confirmation of the
vessels being in to Kennebeck, and inclose an extract of a letter
from the Master to Mr. Greenleaf, by which we may at least
learn that they mean to exert all their power and malice this
summer. . . .
This minute we are advised that two ships have joined that one
in Nantasket road; from them are re-landed a number of men on
George's Island, who are fortifying it. From this I am convinced
they have not taken their leave of Boston. We have not men
enough left here, and we must have a good officer to command,
or men will signify nothing. So many of ours are gone into the
army, that we find the regiment we have ordered raises slowly.
Mr. Read has resigned. . . .
1776] W^arren- Adams Letters 239
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, May 8, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — Since my last we have the formidable ac
counts of the exertion of the powers and malice of Britain, which I
suppose have reached you by this time, or will tomorrow. It is
reported here that the Fleet and army are arrived at Halifax and
are determined to attack this Colony again. This is confirmed by
some deserters from the ship below, who say that they have heard
the officers talk of their expectation of the fleet here. All serves
only to confirm me in the sentiment I have ever had, that they
would return here. Could it ever be supposed that any good policy
would ever operate so strongly as revenge and the national pride,
or rather the pride of the ministry, army, etc. I Would the loss of
10,000 men be of any consequence compared with a chance of re
pairing the disgrace suffered here? If I am right, and they come
again, we are certainly in a miserable situation to receive them.
Our men and arms gone to the southward, and our militia yet in a
broken state. We should certainly have more of the Continental
forces here and an officer of spirit to command them, or they will
signify nothing. We are going on pretty well with the fortifica
tions of Boston. The works at the Castle, Dorchester, Noddles
Island, etc. are in good forwardness, and will soon be able to make
a defence. We have ordered Hulks to be sunk, fire ships to be pre
pared, and two row gallies to be built. We do all we can with
little or no assistance from the Continent. Is not Boston and this
Colony of as much consequence as New York? Upon my word I
think they are, and at least as much exposed. You must not be
surprised if, after all our warning and care, you should hear some
of the most considerable towns are destroyed, and the country
ravaged before we shall be able to stop them. The continental
army have got our tents, our arms, our men, our ammunition and
cannon. We are in a worse situation than twelve months ago, but
I will say no more on this subject, only that we have ordered an
other regiment to be raised of which Marshal x has the command,
I Thomas Marshall. See Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War, x.
265.
240 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
and a regiment consisting of seven companies of artillery to be
commanded by T. Crafts, as lieutenant colonel, and Trott, as
Major. I wish things had been more agreeable to you with regard
to certain appointments in a certain Court, but they are going
from bad to worse. So barren is our poor country that they have
been obliged to appoint the most unsuitable man in the world.1 He
had no suspicion of it before hand. He reasonably supposed that
many blockheads might be hit on before it came to his turn; he
had therefore no opportunity to prevent it. He is therefore em
barrassed beyond measure. He fears your displeasure; he is puz
zled with the solicitations of friends, or those who would get clear
of this matter; but his conscience tells him he will by accepting
injure his country and expose himself. He must therefore decline,
and you must excuse his conduct upon those principles. Nothing
is yet done about the tenure of commissions, etc. You must there
fore lie at the mercy of ,2 etc. But the major says things
shall be set right. I thank you for the pamphlet. I like it very
well in general. I am not certain I should agree with the author
in three branches of the Legislature. I am at present inclined to
think two properly formed may do as well.
I last Saturday evening received from the President your re
solve accepting my resignation. This may be ranked among the
minutiae, but it seems to me a little hurried and huddled, no
determination what is to be done with the money in my hand.
I have 40,000 dollars here which are wanted, but I have no author
ity to act till somebody supplies this place. Surely it must be
supplied. I am glad to see the spirit in the southern governments.
I am afraid they will all get the start of Congress in declarations
of Independence. We are certainly unanimously ripe here for the
grand revolution. I have tried to get instructions for you, but
have been so sick for three weeks past, as not to be fit for executing
anything, and the Major thinks we had better have the instructions
of our towns for that, and the purpose of assuming government.
We rise today or tomorrow, and are to have a full representation.
As the law stood thirty freeholders and inhabitants were to send
1 He is speaking of himself.
2 It may be intended to represent three names, there being three broken lines.
1 7y6] Warren- Adams Letters 241
one, and one hundred and twenty, two members. Being threat-
ned to be overrun from the frontiers, the county of Essex stirred
themselves and sent a petition well supported for a more equal
representation. This produced a new act by which every two
hundred and twenty may send three; three hundred and twenty,
four, and so on.1 So we are to have a house full.
I have just received yours of the 22d. The weather is so bad,
that I keep house this afternoon. I sent it to the Major to read.
I hope something will yet be done. I improve your letters to do a
great deal of good. I have spoke for a copy of the report you men
tion and engaged, a plan of the harbour of Boston. If I am not
disappointed, you will find them enclosed. Your letters hold up
to view many important matters, and never fail to please me. I am
entirely of your sentiments with regard to the advantages of some
measures, and disadvantages of others; but time will only permit
me to inform you that the only news we have is, that Captain
Tucker, in the schooner Manly used to command, yesterday took
two brigantines, one from Ireland with provisions and goods, and
the other from Fial with wine, and got them safe into Lyn. One
of them he took close by the light house, while the man-of-war
fired at him. While I am writing, there is a firing of cannon below.
What that is I know not. Perhaps I may give you more news in
the morning. . . .
I am not fond of English or French tyranny, tho' if I must have
one, I should prefer the last. I don't want a French army here,
but I want to have one employed against Britain, and I doubt
whether that will ever be done, till you make a more explicit
declaration of independence than is in your privateering resolves,
or those for opening the ports. You will never be thought in ear
nest, and fully determined yourselves, and to be depended on by
others, till you go further.
Mr. Bowdoin has carried away some days ago the resolves and
plan, and has disappointed you by not returning it.
I Mass. Acts and Laws, 1776, 57.
242 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
May 12, 1776
MY DEAR FRIEND, — Yours of April 30 was handed me yester
day. My Writing so seldom to you proceeds from Necessity not
Choice, I assure you. I can sympathize with you in your ill Health,
because I am always unwell myself — frail as I am, at best, I am
feebler in this Climate than at home. The air here has no Spring,
and My Mind is overborne with Burdens. Many Things are to
be done here and many more to think upon by day and by night.
Cares come from Boston, from Canada, from twelve other Colo
nies, from innumerable Indian Tribes, from all Parts of Europe
and the West Indies. Cares arise in this City, and in the most
illustrious Assembly; and Cares Spring from Colleagues — Cares
enough! Don't you pity me? it would be some Comfort to be
pitied; but I will scatter them all — Avaunt ye Demons!
An Address to the Convention of Virginia1 has been published
here as an Antidote to the popular Poison in Thoughts on Govern
ment. Read it and see the Difference of Sentiment. In New
England, the Thoughts on Government will be disdained because
they are not popular enough; in the Southern Colonies, they will
be despised and desulted2 because too popular.
But my Friend, between you and me, there is one Point, that
I cannot give up. You must establish your Judges Salaries — as
well as Commissions, otherwise Justice will be a Proteus. Your
Liberties, Lives and Fortunes will be the Sport of Winds.
I don't expect, nor indeed desire that it should be attempted
to give the Governor a Negative, in our Colony; make him
President with a casting Voice. Let the Militia Act remain as it
is.3 But I hope you will make a Governor or President in May.
Congress have passed a Vote with remarkable Unanimity for
assuming Government in all the Colonies, which remains only for
a Preamble;4 you will see it in a few days. It is the Fate of Men and
1 By Carter Braxton, a delegate in the Congress from Virginia.
2 The word may have been intended for "dissected" or "distrusted."
3 Mass. Acts and LQIVS, 1776, 15.
4 The resolution wa's adopted May 12; the preamble, which was prepared by John
Adams, was passed May 15. Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 342, 357. It is given
in Adams' letter of May 15, p. 245, infra.
in 6} Warren- Adams Letters 243
Things which do great good that they always do great Evil too.
"Common sense," by his crude ignorant Notion of a Government
by one Assembly, will do more Mischief, in dividing the Friends of
Liberty, than all the Tory Writings together. He is a keen Writer
but very ignorant of the Science of Government. I see a Writer
in one of your Papers, who proposes to make an Hotch Potch of
the Council and House. If this is attempted, farewell. Who will
be your Governor or President — Bowdoin or Winthrop or War
ren? Don't divide. Let the Choice be unanimous, I beg. If you
divide you will Split the Province with Factions. For God's Sake
Caucass it, before Hand, and agree unanimously to push for the
same Man. Bowdoin's splendid fortune would be a great Advan
tage at the Beginning. How are his Nerves and his Heart? If they
will do, his Head and Fortune ought to decide in his favour.
The Office of Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Surrounded
as it will be with Difficulties, Perplexities and Dangers of every
Kind, and on every Side, will require the clearest and coolest Head
and the firmest Steadyest Heart, the most immoveable Temper
and the profoundest Judgment, which you can find any where in
the Province. He ought to have a Fortune too, and extensive
Connections. I hope that Mr. Bowdoins Health is such, that he
will do. If not you must dispense with Fortune, and fix upon
Winthrop, I think. I know not where to go, for a better — unless
the Major General for the old Colony1 can be agreed on with equal
Unanimity, whom I should prefer to both of the other, provided
an equal Number would agree to it. For I confess, my Rule should
be to vote for the Man upon whom the Majority run, that the
Choice might be as unanimous and respectable as possible. I
dread the Consequences of Electing Governors, and would avoid
every Appearance of and Tendency towards Party and Division,
as the greatest Evil.
I have sent down a Resignation of my Seat at the Board, be
cause this is not a Time if ever there was or can be one for Sine
cures. Fill up every Place — they ought to be full. I believe I
i Warren himself. On May 8 the House of Representatives had chosen three Major
Generals of militia, John Hancock, James Warren and Benjamin Lincoln. Warren declined,
and Azor Orne was named in his place.
244 Warren-Adams Letters [1776
must resign the office, which the Board have assigned me for the
same Reason, but I shall think a little more about that and take
Advice.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHI LAD A., May 12, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure of receiving your very
friendly Letter of the 2d Instant by a Mr. Park. I can readily
excuse your not writing to me so often as I wish to receive your
Letters, when I consider how much you are engaged in the publick
Affairs; and so you must be, while your Life is spared to your
Country.
I am exceedingly concernd to find by your Letter, as well as
those of my other Friends, that so little Attention has been given
tc an Affair of such weight, as the fortifying the Harbour of Boston.
To what can this be attributed? Is it not wise to prevent the
Enemies making Use of every Avenue, especially those which lead
into the Capital of our Country? -I hope that no little party
Animosities can ever exist much less prevail in our Councils to
obstruct so necessary a Measure. Such Contentions you well
remember, that Fiend Hutchinson and his Confederates made it
their constant Study to stir up between the Friends of the Colony
in different parts of it in order to prevent their joynt Exertions for
the Common Good. Let us with great Care avoid such Snares as
our Enemies have heretofore laid for our Ruin, and which we have
found by former Experience have proved too successful to their
wicked purposes.J This will, I think, be an important Summer. I
confide therefore in the Wisdom of our Colony; and that they will
lay aside the Consideration of smaller Matters for the present,
and bend their whole Attention to the necessary Means for the
Common Safety. I hope the late Scituation of Boston since the
Enemy left it is by this time very much altered for the better.
If not, it must needs be a strong Inducement to them to re-enter
it, and whether we ought not by all means in our power to endeavor
to prevent this, I will leave to you and others to judge.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 245
Yesterday the Congress resolvd into a Committee of the whole,
to take under Consideration the Report of a former Committee,
appointed to consider the state of the Eastern District, which
comprehends New England. It was then agreed that the Troops
in Boston should be augmented to 6000. The Question now lies
before Congress and will be considered tomorrow. I am inclind
to think the Vote will obtain.1 But what will avail the ordering
additional Battalions if men will not inlist? Do our Countrymen
want Animation at a Time when all is at Stake ! Your Presses have
too long been silent. What are your Committees of Correspond
ence about? I hear Nothing of Circular Letters, oijoynt Committees,
etc., etc.
Such Methods have in times passd raisd the Spirits of the
People, drawn off their Attention from picking up pins, and
directed their Views to great objects. But not having had timely
Notice of the Return of this Express, I must conclude, (earnestly
praying for the Recovery of your Health). Very affectionately your
S. A.
Congress have orderd 400,000 Dollars to be sent to the Pay
master General at N.Y., for the Use of the Troops there and
in Massachusetts Bay.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
May 15, 1776
This Day the Congress has passed the most important Resolu
tion that ever was taken in America.
It is as nearly as I can repeat it from Memory, in these Words.
Whereas his Britannic Majesty, in Conjunction with the Lords and
Commons of Great Britain, has, by a late Act of Parliament, excluded
the Inhabitants of these united Colonies from the Protection of his
Crown; and Whereas No answer whatever has been given or is likely to
be given, to the humble Petitions of the Colonies for Redress of their
Grievances and Reconciliation with Great Britain; but on the Contrary,
the whole Force of the Kingdom, aided by foreign Mercenaries, is to be
exerted for our Destruction and Whereas it is irreconcileable to Reason
I The resolution as adopted, May 14, is in Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 355.
246 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
and good Conscience, for the People of these Colonies to take the Oaths
and Affirmations necessary for the Support of any Government under
the Crown of Great Britain and it is necessary that the Exercise of every
Kind of Authority under the said Crown should be totally Suppressed,
and all the Powers of Government under the Authority of the People of
the Colonies exerted for the Preservation of internal Peace, Virtue and
good order, as well as to defend our Lives, Liberties and Properties, from
the hostile Invasions and cruel Depredations of our Enemies, therefore
Resolved — that it be recommended to the several Assemblies and
Conventions to institute such Forms of Government as to them shall
appear necessary, to promote the Happiness of the People.1
This Preamble and Resolution are ordered to be printed and
you will see them immediately in all the News Papers upon the
Continent.
I shall make Tio Comments, upon this important and decisive
Resolution.
There remains, however, a great deal of Work to be done besides
the Defence of the Country. A Confederation must be now pur
sued with all the Address, Assiduity Prudence, Caution, and yet
Fortitude and Perseverance, which those who think it necessary
are possessed of. It is the most intricate, the most important, the
most dangerous and delicate Business of all. It will require Time,
We must be patient. Two or three days We have spent in Consid
ering the state of the Massachusetts Bay. Congress have at last
voted that the Five Battallions now in that Province be recruited
to their full Complements and that three Battallions more be
forthwith raised.2 The Province has raised one, lately as I am
informed. You will have nothing to do, but return the Names of
the Field Officers to Congress and have continental Commissions
for them. The other two Battallions may be raised in Mass. Bay,
Connecticutt and New Hampshire, in what Proportions is not
determined. Congress have voted that a Major General and a
Brigadier General be sent to Boston.3 Who they will be I know
not — Gates and Mifflin, I hope, but cant promise.4
1 Some verbal differences from the version in the journals may indicate that Adams
used the preamble as originally written, before being amended in the Congress.
2 Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 355.
3 Ib; 356. The choice was to rest with Washington.
4 On May 16 Congress elected them Major General and Brigadier General respectively.
Warren- Adams Letters 247
This Letter you may communicate if you think it necessary.
I am, sir, your Affectionate Friend
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
May 1 8, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — Yours of 8 May received this Morning, and
am, as I ever have been, much of your Opinion that the Enemy
would return to the Massachusetts if possible. They will probably
land at Hingham or Braintree, or somewhere to the Northward of
Boston, not make a direct Attempt upon Boston itself, the next
Time. I hope no Pains, no Labour or expense will be neglected to
fortify the Harbour of Boston however.
Your Militia you say is in a broken state, but don't explain what
you mean. I was in hopes that the late Militia Law had put them
in a good Condition. You must depend upon them chiefly. We
have been labouring here to procure you Some Assistance, and have
obtained a Vote, that the 5 Battallions now with you be filled up,
and three Additional ones raised, two in Mass, one in Connecti-
cutt.1 A Major General and Brigadier are to go to Boston. You
must not hesitate at any Thing for your own Defence. New York
and Canada will take an infinite Expense. We did our best, but
could procure no more at present. If an Impression should be
made on you, the Continent will interpose; but they never will
believe it untill it takes Place.
This Day has brought us the Dismals from Canada — De
feated most ignominiously.2 Where shall we lay the blame?
America, duped and bubbled with the Phantom of Commissioners,
has been fast asleep, and left that important Post undefended,
unsupported.
The Ministry have caught the Colonies, as I have often caught a
Horse, by holding out an empty Hat, as if it was full of Corn, or
as many a Sportsman has shot Woodcocks, by making an old
Horse Stalk before him, and hide him from the Sight of the Bird.
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 360.
2 The Journals record the receipt of three letters from the commissioners to Canada.
248 Warren-Adams Letters [1776
Nothing has ever put my Patience to the Tryal so much as to see
Knaves imposing upon Fools, by such Artifices. I wash my Hands
of this Guilt. I have reasoned, I have ridiculed, I have fretted and
declaimed against this fatal Delusion, from the Beginning.
But a Torrent is not to be impeded by Reasoning, nor a Storm
allayed by Ridicule. In my situation, altho I have not and will
not be restrained from a Freedom of Speech yet a Decorum must
be observed, and ever has been by me. But I have often wished
that all America knew as much as I do of the Springs of Action
and the Motions of the Machine. I do not think it prudent, nor
Safe, to write freely upon these Subjects even to my most faithfull
Friends.
Providence has hitherto preserved us, and I firmly believe will
continue to do so. But it gives me inexpressible Grief that by our
own Folly and Wickedness We should deserve it so very ill as We
do.
What shall We say of this scandalous Flight from Quebec? It
seems to be fated that New England officers should not support a
Character. Wooster is the Object now of Contempt and Detesta
tion of those who ought to be the Contempt and Detestation of
all America for their indefatigable Obstruction to every Measure
which has been meditated for the Support of our Power in Canada.
Our Province must find some Way of making better Officers and
of engaging abler Men in her Councils as well as her Arms, or I
know not what will be the Consequence. Instead of which she
Seems to me to be contriving Means to drive every Man of real
Abilities out of her service.
I hope you will not decline the Appointment you mention, how
ever. Nothing would make me so happy as your Acceptance of
that Place. I am extreamly unhappy to hear of your ill Health;
hope that will mend. There i"S certainly no Man in the Province
who would be so agreable to me. I cant bear the Thought of your
refusing.
Rejoice to hear that my Friends, Crafts and Trott, are in the
service. Will it do to promote my Pupil Austin?1 His Genius is
I Jonathan Williams Austin, now a major. He was "dishonorably discharged" from the
service November 13, 1776, and had not been promoted.
1 776] Warren-Adams Letters 249
equal to any Thing. Would not promotion mend him of his
Faults? Can nothing be done for Ward,1 Aid de Camp and Secre
tary to General Ward? He is an honest, faithfull daring Man, I
think, and sensible enough. He really deserves Promotion.
Is it possible to get in Boston Silver and Gold for the service in
Canada? Our Affairs have been ruined there for Want of it and
can never be retrieved without it. Pray let me know if any sum
can be had in our Province.
I shall inclose you a News Paper, which when you have read
send along to Braintree.
I am, and have been these twelve Months, fully of your Opinion
that we have nothing to depend upon for our Preservation from
Destruction, but the kind Assistance of Heaven to our own Union
and vigorous Exertions. I was ripe therefore for as explicit
Declarations as Language could express Twelve Months ago; but
the Colonies seperately have neglected their Duty as much as the
Congress, and We cannot march faster than our Constituents will
follow Us. We dont always go quick enough to keep out of their
Way.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
May 20, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — Every Post and every Day rolls in upon Us.
Independence like a Torrent. The Delegates from Georgia made
their Appearance this Day in Congress with unlimited Powers
and these Gentlemen themselves are very firm.2 South Carolina,
has erected her Government and given her Delegates ample Pow
ers, and they are firm enough. North Carolina have given theirs
full Powers, after repealing an Instruction given last August
against Confederation and Independence. This Days Post, has
brought a Multitude of Letters from Virginia, all of which breath
the same Spirit. They agree they shall institute a Government -
all are agreed in this they say. Here are four Colonies to the
1 Joseph Ward. He became Commissary General of Musters in 1777.
2 Lyman Hall (1725-1790) and Button Gwinnett (c. 1732-1777). Their " powers " are
printed in Journals of Continental Congress, iv. 367.
2 5° Warren- Adams Letters [1776
Southward who are perfectly agreed now with the four to the
Northward. Five in the Middle are not yet quite so ripe; but they
are very near it. I expect that New York will come to a fresh
Election of Delegates in the Course of this Week, give them full
Powers, and determine to institute a Government.
The Convention of New Jersey, is about Meeting and will as
sume a Government.
Pennsylvania Assembly meets this Day and it is said will repeal
their Instruction to their Delegates which has made 'them so ex
ceedingly obnoxious to America in General, and their own Con
stituents in particular.
We have had an entertaining Maneuvre this Morning in the
State House Yard. The Committee of the City summoned a Meet
ing at Nine O'Clock in the State House Yard to consider of the
Resolve of Congress of the fifteenth instant. The Weather was
very rainy, and the Meeting was in the open air like the Comitia of
the Romans, a Stage was erected, extempore for the Moderator,
and the few orators to ascend — Coll. Roberdeau 1 was the Mod
erator; Coll. McKean,2 Coll. Cadwallader 3 and Coll. Matlack 4
the principal orators. It was the very first Town Meeting I ever
saw in Philadelphia and it was conducted with great order, De
cency and Propriety.
The first step taken was this: the Moderator produced the Re
solve of Congress of the I5th inst. and read it with a loud sten
torian Voice that might be heard a Quarter of a Mile. "Whereas
his Britannic Majesty, etc." As soon as this was read, the Multi
tude, several Thousands, some say, tho so wett rended the Welkin
with three Cheers, Hatts flying as usual, etc.
Then a Number of Resolutions were, produced, and moved,
and determined with great Unanimity. These Resolutions I will
send you as soon as published. The Drift of the whole was
that the Assembly was not a Body properly constituted, author
ized, and qualified to carry the Resolve for instituting a new
Government into Execution and therefore that a Convention
should be called. And at last they voted to support and defend
I Daniel Roberdeau (1727-1795). 2 Thomas McKean (1734-1817).
3 John Cadwalader (1742-1786). 4 Timothy Matlack (1730-1829).
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 251
the Measure of a Convention, at the Utmost Hazard and at all
Events, etc.
The Delaware Government, generally, is of the same Opinion
with the best Americans, very orthodox in their Faith and very
exemplary in their Practice. Maryland remains to be mentioned.
That is so eccentric a Colony — sometimes so hot, sometimes so
cold ; now so high, then so low — that I know not what to say about
it or to expect from it. I have often wished it could exchange
Places with Hallifax. When they get agoing I expect some wild
extravagant Flight or other from it. To be sure they must go
beyond every body else when they begin to go.
Thus I have rambled through the Continent, and you will per
ceive by this state of it, that We can't be very remote from the
most decisive Measures and the most critical events. What do you
think must be my Sensations when I see the Congress now daily
passing Resolutions, which I most earnestly pressed for against
Wind and Tide Twelve Months ago? and which I have not omitted
to labour for a Month together from that Time to this? What do
you think must be my Reflections, when I see the Farmer J him
self now confessing the Falsehood of all his Prophecies, and the
Truth of mine, and confessing himself, now for instituting Govern
ments, forming a Continental Constitution, making Alliances,
with foreigners, opening Ports and all that — and confessing that
the defence of the Colonies, and Preparations for defence have been
neglected, in Consequence of fond delusive hopes and deceitfull
Expectations ?
I assure you this is no Gratification of my Vanity.
The gloomy Prospect of Carnage and Devastation that now pre
sents itself in every Part of the Continent, and which has been in
the most express and decisive nay dogmatical Terms foretold by
me a thousand Times, is too affecting to give me Pleasure. It
moves my keenest Indignation. Yet I dare not hint at these
Things for I hate to give Pain to Gentlemen whom I believe
sufficiently punished by their own Reflections.
[No signature.]
i Dickinson.
252 barren- Adams Letters [1776
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, June 2, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I received yours of the 2oth of May with the
pamphlets inclosed. I am much obliged to you for them. I am
quite satisfied that you have wrote to me as often as your situa
tion would admit of, that your cares are great and press on you
from many quarters. I never suspected your friendship. I pity you
as much as you can wish a friend to do, and admire your spirit and
resolute perseverance in the publick cause. I have read and see
the difference of sentiment in the two pamphlets. The Thoughts
on Government are far from being disdained in New England.
They were admired here. Very few exceptions are made by any
body; the only one of any consequence that I have heard is that
the author seems rather inclined to a negative in the third branch,
which is hardly popular enough for our climate, poor and sterile as
it is. I believe the author never expected it would comport with
the Monarchick and aristocratic spirit of the South. Whether it is
best there should be a perfect similarity in the form and spirit
of the several governments in the colonies, provided they are all
independant of Britain, is a question I am not determined on.
For some reasons it may be best for us there should be a difference.
I therefore consider the address to the Convention of Virginia
with the more indifference, as it may (if successful) neither injure
the publick or us.
I regretted my not being able to write by Mr. Winthrop, who
left this place two days ago. You will have by him a list of our new
House, and I suppose a list of the Council chosen, as he promised
me not to go without it. Colonel Orne and Danielson x refused.
We chose Eldad Taylor and Colonel Thayer 2 in their room. You
will find in the House more abilities, tho' perhaps not more zeal
for the present system of politicks than in the last, and you will
see in the list of councillors some that I did not vote for. We have
had yet nothing before us to determine what we are to expect
from the conduct of this new House. The election took us two
entire days, and controverted elections filled up the rest of the
I Azor Orne and Timothy Danielson. 2 Ebenezer Thayer, junior.
1776] Warren-Adams Letters 253
last week. We yesterday sent home the Salem members for the
irregularity of the proceedings of the town in their choice.1 Colonel
Palmer is again in the House, I dare say you are informed how.
I presume as we are now at liberty to establish a form of gov
ernment, we shall soon take up that matter. I shall do everything
in my power to promote unanimity in the choice of a Governor or
President, let the general voice be as it may. I thank you for your
partiality. I could pitch on a much more suitable person than
either of the three you mention, by going as far as Philadelphia,
tho' what we should do without him there I can't tell. Tis our mis
fortune that the same men can't be in two places at the same time.
I shall write you as soon as any thing on this subject takes place.
The piece you mention published in our papers is in total oblivion;
so desire you not to take your leave of us. I shall do everything in
my power to have the salaries and commissions of the judges es
tablished. I have long been convinced of the necessity of it, and
I am sure we can do nothing more advantageous to our internal
police. The nerves of one of the gentlemen you mention are weak,
owing perhaps to his state of health. His heart, I believe, is good,
tho' not so decisively zealous as I could wish, perhaps owing to his
splendid fortune. His head is undoubtedly good.
We have no news, frequent rumours of battles and victories in
Canada since our late misfortune there, but nothing to be de
pended on. I am mortified by the little zeal and readiness shewn
by our country men to enter into the service. Neither Marshal's,
Whitney's or Craft's regiments are yet half full. What hopes can
we entertain that the five old battalions left here will be filled up,
or the two new ones raised. Can you advise as to give them a
bounty by way of encouragement, or should you disapprove of
it? It certainly would be very advantageous to us to have them,
and our delegates deserve our thanks for their exertions on this
occasion. But how to get them is the question. I suppose it would
not do to have the two regiments we are now raising converted
I "It being represented to the House, that at the election of the gentlemen returned
from Salem, the electors voted by kernels of corn and pease. It was moved that the sense
of the House be taken, whether their election was made agreeable to law, and the question
being put, it passed in the negative." Journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), 1776,
254 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
into Continental regiments. I can't account for the difficulties we
have in raising men. Great numbers are indeed gone from us, and
the southern governments have agents here inlisting seamen for
their particular services, with full wages and large bounties. I
fear therefore you will find it difficult to man your ships. You
should attend to it without delay.
We have a promising season, fine showers, the crops look flour
ishing, tho' the weather has been cooler than usual. Mr. Winthrop
has with him my accounts. I expect there will be some small de
ficiency, owing to the multiplicity of business in that office, and
the hurry and crowd we have been obliged to do it in. I have
directed him to charge for a clerk, as it was impossible to execute
it without one, and to charge the expences of going to Philadelphia
to settle account, as I am out of pay. I hope all these will be al
lowed me. The army here are in distress for want of money. I
have run the venture at the solicitations of General Ward to pay
several sums since I had notice that my resignation was accepted.
I hope the publick advantage and the General's solicitations will
justify my conduct. I have desired Mr. Winthrop to call on you
for any assistance he may have occasion for. I know you will give
it to him, and I tho't I need make no apology for the freedom. . . .
I never yet congratulated you on the almost miraculous inter
position of Providence in sending us the prize ship carried into
Boston. I do it now. The gallant defence made by our small ves
sels against the men of war boats is perhaps as noble a one as any
this war. I can't give you an exact account of the loss on their
side, but I believe in killed and wounded little short of a hundred.
. . . You must not think of a resignation; we shall be ruined if you
do.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATER-TOWN, June 5th, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — The inclosed letter was sealed to go by the
last Post, but I unluckily missed it I have now an opportunity to
inclose one from Braintree. Doctor Church is arrived here. Is
1776] W^arren- Adams Letters 255
not your resolve relative to him somewhat extraordinary? I fear
the People will kill him if at large. The night before last he went
to lodge at Waltham, was saved by the interposition of the select
men but by jumping out of a chamber window and flying. His life
is of no great consequence, but such a step has a tendency to lessen
the confidence of the people in the doings of Congress.
A large Sugar Ship from Jamaica with 300 hhds. sugar, 80 pun
cheons rum, some Madeira wine, etc., etc., is taken and got into
the vineyard in her way to Bedford. It is said that four or five
others are taken by two Privateers who took this. What Priva
teers they are I cant learn.
Must not something be done to prevent British Property being
covered by the West Indians? We shall loose our Labour, and dis
courage our Seamen. Why should not all English property going
to Britain be liable to capture? this matter must be considered.
We should fight them on equal terms. We have a number of Sea
men here supported at your expence. If your Generosity and Civ
ilized Sentiments prevent, won't good policy dictate recourse to
the Lex talionis ? They are wanted, you will find the want of
them when you man your ships.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., June 6, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I have for some time past been expecting to
visit my Friends in New England which has made me the less
sollicitous of writing to them, but Business of the most interesting
Importance has hitherto detaind me here. Our Affairs in Canada
have of late worn a displeasing Aspect, but Measures have been
adopted which I trust will repair Misfortunes and set Matters
right in that Quarter. This will, in my Opinion, be an important
Summer, productive of great Events which we must be prepard to
meet. If America is virtuous She will vanquish her Enemies and
establish her Liberty. You know my Temper. Perhaps I may be
too impatient. I have long wishd for the Determination of some
momentous Questions. If Delay shall prove mischeivous I shall
256 W^arren- Adams Letters [1776
have no Reason to reflect upon myself; Every one here knows
what my Sentiments have been. However, tomorrow a Motion
will be made,1 and a Question I hope decided, the most important
that was ever agitated in America. I have no doubt but it will be
decided to your satisfaction. This being done, Things will go on
in the right Channel and our Country will be saved. The Bearer
waits. Adieu.
S. A.
Let me intreat you, my Friend, to exert your Influence to pre
vent unnecessary Questions in the Assembly which may cause
Contention.2 Now if ever Union is necessary — Innovations may
well enough be put off, till publick Safety is secured.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
June 9, 1776
I shall address this to you as Speaker, but you may be Coun
cillor, or Governor, or Judge, or any other Thing, or nothing but a
good Man, for what I know. Such is the Mutability of this World.
Upon my Word I think you use the World very ill to publish and
send abroad a Newspaper since the 29 May without telling Us one
Word about the Election, where it was held, who preached the
sermon,3 or etc., etc. I write this in haste only to inclose to you a
little Treatise upon Fire Ships. It may be sending Coals to New
Castle, but it appears to me of such Importance that I thought
myself bound to procure and send it, least this Art should not be
understood among you. This Art carries Terror and Dismay along
with it, and the very Rumour of Preparations in this Kind may do
you more service than many Battalions.4
1 "Certain resolutions respecting independency being moved and seconded," etc. The
resolutions are in Journals of the Continental Congress, v. 425. They are in the writing of
Richard Henry Lee, and were seconded by John Adams. The endorsement on the original,
printed in the Journals, gives an interesting glimpse of the proceedings of Congress upon
the motion.
2 Warren had been re-elected Speaker of the House.
3 The sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel West, of Dartmouth, May 29, 1776. His
text was Titus, in. i.
4 This may refer to a MS. The only printed work of the kind was a translation by Ma
jor Lewis Nicola of Chevalier de Clairac's L'Engenieur de Campagne, to which was added
"A short Treatise on Sea Batteries." It was issued by Robert Aitken, of Philadelphia, in
1776.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 257
I am not easy about Boston and have taken all the Pains in my
Power with G. Washington, to engage him to send G[ates] and
M[ifflin] there; but he is so sanguine and confident that no attempt
will be made there, that I am afraid his security will occasion one.
The News Papers inclosed when you have read them please to
send them to the Foot of Penn's Hill.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, June 16, 1776
DEAR SIR, — Your Favours of June 2d and 5th are now before
me. The address to the Convention of Virginia makes but a small
Fortune in the World. Coll. Henry in a Letter to me expresses an
infinite Contempt of it, and assures me that the Constitution of
Virginia will be more like the Thoughts on Government.1 I believe,
however, they will make the Election of their Council, Septennial.
Those of Representatives to Governor annual. But I am amazed
to find an Inclination so prevalent throughout all the southern and
middle Colonies to adopt Plans, so nearly resembling, that in the
Thoughts on Government. I assure you, untill the Experiment was
made I had no adequate Conception of it. But the Pride of the
haughty must I see come down, a little in the South.
You suppose "it would not do to have the two Regiments you
are now raising converted into continental Battallions." But why?
Would the officers or Men have any objection? If they would not,
Congress would have none. Indeed this was what I expected and
intended when the Measure was in Agitation. Indeed I thought,
that as our Battalions with their arms were carried to N. York
and Canada in the Service of the United Colonies, the Town of
Boston, and the Province ought to be guarded against Danger by
the united Colonies.
You have been since called upon for Six Thousand Militia for
Canada and New York. How you will get the Men I know not.
The Small Pox, I suppose will be a great Discouragement.2 But
1 Henry's letter, dated May 20, is in Liff, Correspondence and Speeches of Patrick Henry,
ii. 412.
2 "The reigning Subject is the Small Pox. Boston has given up its Fears of an invasion
and is busily employed in communicating the Infection. Straw beds and Cribs are daily
258 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
We must maintain our Ground in Canada. The Regulars, if they
get full Possession of that Province, and the Navigation of St.
Lawrence River above Dechambeault at least above Mouth of the
Sorrell, will have nothing to interrupt their Communication with
Niagara, Detroit, Michilimachinac; they will have the Navigation
of the five great Lakes quite as far as the Mississippi River; they
will have a free Communication with all the numerous Tribes of
Indians, extending along the Frontiers of all the Colonies, and
by their Trinketts and Bribes will induce them to take up the
Hatchett, and spread Blood and Fire among the Inhabitants by
which Means, all the Frontier Inhabitants will be driven in upon
the middle Settlements, at a Time when the Inhabitants of the
Seaports and Coasts, will be driven back by the British Navy. Is
this Picture too high coloured? Perhaps it is; but surely We must
maintain our Power, in Canada.
You may depend upon my rendering Mr. Winthrop all the serv
ice in my Power.
I believe it will not be long before all Property belonging to
British Subjects, Whether in Europe, the W. Indies, or elsewhere
will be made liable to Capture. A few Weeks may possibly produce
great Things. I am, etc.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, July loth, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I have for some time past been at Home in
daily expectation of the Court's riseing. It has however continued
setting till this time. What they have lately been employed about
I am not able to say — I believe nothing very important. A very
large Committee are out to raise the men, I mean the 5000 re
quested by Congress for Canada and York. I hope they will by
the large Encouragement of £7. for Canada, and £3. for York,
with some additional Bounty from Individuals in the several
carted into the Town. That ever prevailing Passion of following the Fashion is as Pre
dominant at this time as ever. Men, Women and Children eagerly crowding to innoculate
is, I think, as modish as running away from the Troops of a barbarous George was the last
year." Hannah Winthro-p to Mercy Warren, July 8, 1776. MS.
1776] W^arren- Adams Letters 259
towns, be soon raised, and sent forward. The Court have spent
much more time about this business than was consistent with the
exigency of the service. There was no objection to a compliance
with the Requisition; but the manner of doing it, or rather the
places from whence they should be taken have occasioned the
delay. Indeed the Levies on particular Towns fall very heavy.
A much greater proportion of our men are in service than Congress
seems to be aware off. How we are to get the 1 500 now called for
I can't tell, nor do I know how Congress will like the Bounties
given already; but it was thought impossible to raise them without
a large encouragement, especially at this season of the year.
I had a few days ago the pleasure of your favour of the 9th June.
I presume the Papers before this have informed you that I am in
the same station you left me in, and I can inform you that I am
in that only; and if it be my ne plus ultra, perhaps it can't be said
of me as it may of some others that I have not my deserts. Calls
for men and other matters of the same kind have hitherto pre
vented our doing any thing about the matter of Government. Our
Recess will be short, and if we are not pressed with such matters
when we meet next I presume we shall go upon it. I congratulate
you on the discovery of the plot at New York. I hope it will do
great service.1 I expect soon to hear of some great events from that
quarter. If they should be favourable to us, what will they do
next? We have but little news here. Now and then a prize from
the West Indies is sent in. Last Saturday got into Cape Ann two
prizes taken by a small Sloop belonging to four or five persons in
and about Boston; one from Jamaica, a three decker, with 400
hhds. sugar, 200 hhds. rum, 30 bales cotton, etc., etc.; the other
from Antegua with 400 hhds. rum. This sloop could have taken
another ship but had not men to bring her off, and so let her go.
When are we to hear of your proceedings on the first Instant what
Alliances, and Confederations have you agreed on? I want to see
some French Men of War on the coast. Our borders seem to be in
a state of peace and tranquility; how long they will continue so I
I See Minutes of the Trial and Examination of Certain Persons, in the Province of New
York, charged with being engaged in a conspiracy against the Authority of the Congress, and the
Liberties of America. London, 1776.
260 Warren-Adams Letters [1776
know not. The Small Pox prevails, and is scattered about the
country. In Boston they have given up all thoughts of stopping it,
and everybody is inoculating. I wrote to Mr. Gerry a few days
ago, and among other things about some of my private affairs, in
the paymaster's office. I desired him to communicate to you, so
shan't trouble you with a repetition. I will thank you for your
assistance. If I can't help myself I must loose this money, but it
will be a hard case. I did great services to the Army in and out of
this office, which I executed with diligence, oeconomy, and integ
rity, and you will see this loss was sustained in Winthrop's hands.
I have no reason to question his integrity. My regards to all
friends. I am yours, etc.
[No signature.]
P.S. I see advertised in one of the Philadelphia papers a piece
on Husbandry.1 If it is well executed and of any consequence,
shall be obliged to you to purchase and send me one.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
July 15, 1776
DEAR SIR, — I have Time only to tell you that I am yet alive
and in better Spirits than Health.
The News you will learn from my very worthy Friend Gerry.
He is obliged to take a Ride for his Health, as I shall be very soon,
or have none. God grant he may recover it, for he is a Man of
immense Worth. If every Man here was a Gerry, the Liberties of
America would be safe against the Gates of Earth and Hell.
We are in hourly Expectation of Sober Work at New York.
May Heaven grant Us Victory, if We deserve it; if not Patience,
Humility, and Pennitence under Defeat. However I feel pretty
confident and Sanguine that We shall give as good an Account of
them this Year as we did last.
[No signature.]
i Arthur Young's Rural Oeconomy: or Essays on the Practical Parts of Husbandry, printed
at Philadelphia in 1776, by James Humphreys, Jr.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 261
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, July i/th, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — When you are informed that in the variety of
changes that have taken place in this town, it is now become a
Great Hospital for Inoculation, you will wonder to see a letter
from me dated here; but so it is that the rage for inoculation pre
vailing here has whirled me into its vortex, and brought me with
my other self into the croud of patients with which this town is
now filled. Here is a collection of good, bad, and indifferent of all
orders, sexes, ages and conditions, your good Lady and Family
among the first. She will give you (I presume) such an account of
herself, etc., as makes it unnecessary for me to say more on that
head. She will perhaps tell you that this is the reigning subject of
conversation, and that even politics might have been suspended
for a time, if your Declaration of Independence, and some other
political movements of yours had not reached us. The Declaration
came on Saturday, and diffused a general Joy. Every one of us
feels more important than ever; we now congratulate each other
as Freemen. It has really raised our spirits to a tone beneficial to
mitigate the malignity of the small pox, and what is of more con
sequence seems to animate and inspire every one to support and
defend the Independency he feels. I shall congratulate you on the
occasion and so leave this subject and go to one not quite so agre-
able. Congress have acted a part with regard to this Colony, shall
I say cunning, or politic, or only curious, or is it the effect of agita
tion. Has the approach of Lord Howe had such an effect on the
southern Colonies, that they have forgot the very Extensive Sea
Coast we have to defend, the Armed Vessels we have to man from
South Carolina to the northern limits of the United Colonies, that
a large part of the Continental Army is made up from this Colony,
that the General has not only got our men but our arms, and that
they within two months ordered a reinforcement of three Bat-
.talions to the five already here. Lucky for us you did not give
time to raise these before your other requisitions reached us, or we
should have been stripped indeed. Don't the Southern Colonies
think this worth defending, or do they think with half our men
262 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
gone the remainder can defend it, with spears and darts, or with
slings (as David slew Goliah). I was surprised to find the whole
five Battalions called away. No determination as yet taken how
their places shall be supplyed. The General Court are not setting,
they were prorogued on Saturday; the Council have this matter
under consideration. What can they do but call in the militia, or
perhaps stop the last 1500 men called for to go to Canada if in
their power. The works for the defence of this Town must not
be abandoned; they must be defended with or without Conti
nental assistance. Don't suppose that I am a preacher of sedi
tion, or intend to be factious, or that the eruptive fever is now
upon me. Neither of these is true. I shall suppress all sentiments
of uneasiness but to you and some few who I have reason to
suppose think of these matters in the same way, and determine
to do and suffer any and every thing for the good of the whole;
but I think, tho' the Grand Object will be York and Canada,
and their principal Force there, we are not so safe as we ought
to be.
I can give you little or no news. Two of our vessels have been
brought too by a Man of War at sea, and the masters taken as they
were told before Lord Howe, who told them he was bound directly
to Philadelphia to settle with the Congress the unhappy dispute.
He dismissed both the vessels and gave them paper to protect
them against any or all cruizers, haveing first reprimanded one of
them for the violation of Acts of Parliament in the illicit trade at
St. Petres, from which place he then came with French commodi
ties. Our coast is clear. I hear of no Cruisers at present to inter
rupt the passage of vessels. Last Saturday was the first time I
have been in this Town since the flight of the Invincible British
Troops. I can't describe the alteration and the gloomy appearance
of this Town. No Business, no Busy Faces but those of the Physi
cians. Ruins of buildings, wharfs, etc., etc., wherever you go, and
the streets covered with grass. I have just heard that an honest
man from St. Petres in twenty-five days says they had there intelr
ligence of a declaration of War between Spain and Portugal. This
is neither impossible or improbable, and may account for Lord
Howe's being in a single ship, as we are told he had arrived at the
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 263
Hook. I wish you all happiness and am with regards to Mrs.
Adams and Gerry, Yours etc.,
[A^o signature^
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 24, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — Yours of the loth instant came by Yesterday's
Post. This I suppose will find you, at Boston, growing well of the
Small Pox. This Distemper is the King of Terrors to America
this year. We shall Suffer as much by it as We did last Year by
the Scarcity of Powder. And therefore I could wish, that the whole
People was innoculated. It gives me great Pleasure to learn that
such Numbers have removed to Boston, for the sake of going
through it, and that Innoculation is permitted in every Town.
The plentifull Use of Mercury is a Discouragement to Many; But
you will see by a Letter from Dr. Rush which I lately inclosed to
my Partner that Mercury is by him wholly laid aside. He prac
tices with as much Success and Reputation as any Man.1
I am much grieved and a little vexed at your Refusal of a Seat
on a certain Bench. Is another appointed? Who is it?
Before now you have the Result of our Proceedings the Begin
ning of this Month. A Confederation will follow very soon and
other mighty Matters.
Our force is not Sufficient at New York. Have suffered much
Pain, in looking over the Returns, to see no Massachusetts Militia
at N. York. Send them along, for the Land's sake. Let Us drubb
Howe, and then We shall do very well. Much depends upon that.
I am not much concerned about Burgoine. He will not get over
the Lakes this Year. If he does he will be worse off.
I rejoice at the spread of the Small Pox, on another Account.
Having had the Small Pox, was the Merit, which originally, recom
mended me to this lofty Station. This Merit is now likely to be
I In April, 1776, Dr. John Morgan wrote A Recommendation of Inoculation according to
Baron Dimsdale' s Method (Boston, J. Gill, 1776), intended to serve as an introduction to an
issue of Dimsdale's Present Method of Inoculation for the Small Pox. The Recommendation
only was printed. Thomas Dimsdale (1712-1800) had inoculated, in 1768, the Empress
Catherine of Russia and her son Paul, and his title of "Baron" was of Russian origin, still
borne by a descendant.
264 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
common enough, and I shall stand a Chance to be relieved. Let
some others come here and see the Beauties and Sublimities of a
Continental Congress. I will stay no longer. A Ride to Phila
delphia, after the Small Pox, will contribute prodigiously to the
Restoration of your Health. I am, etc. r^Q s{gnaturei
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 26, 1776
DEAR SIR, — My Health has lasted much longer than I ex
pected, but at last it fails. The Increasing Heat of the Weather,
added to incessant Application to Business without any Inter
missions of Exercise, has relaxed me to such a degree that a few
Weeks more would totally incapacitate me for any Thing. I must
therefore return Home.
There will be no difficulty in finding Men suitable to send here,
for my own Part as General Ward has resigned his Command in the
Army I sincerely wish you would send him here. The Journey
would contribute much to the Restoration of his Health, after the
Small Pox, and his Knowledge in the Army and of military Mat
ters is very much wanted here at present.
Send Dana along for another, and come yourself by all Means.
I should have mentioned you in the first Place. Will Lowell do?
or Sewall? You will want four or five new ones. Major Hawley
must be excused no longer. He may have the Small Pox here
without keeping House an Hour and without Absence from Con
gress four days. It would be vastly for his Health to have it.
Send Palmer, or Lincoln, or Cushing if you will. Somebody
you must send. Why will not Mr. Bowdoin or Dr. Winthrop take
a Ride? r,r
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 1776
DEAR SIR, — I have directed a Packett to you, by this days
Post, and shall only add a few Words by Fessenden. I assure you
the Necessity of your sending along fresh delegates here is not
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 265
chimerical. Paine has been very ill for this whole Week, and re
mains in a bad Way. He has not been able to attend Congress,
for several days, and if I was to judge by his Eye, his Skin, and his
Cough, I should conclude he never would be fit to do duty there
again, without a long Intermission, and a Course of Air, Exercise,
Diet, and Medecine. In this I may be mistaken. The Secretary,1
between you and me is compleatly worn out. I wish he had gone
home six months ago, and rested himself. Then, he might have
done it without any Disadvantage. But in plain English he has
been so long here, and his Strength, Spirit and Abilities so ex
hausted, that an hundred such delegates, here would not be worth
a Shilling. My Case is worse. My Face has grown pale, my Eyes
weak and inflamed, my Nerves tremulous, and my Mind weak
as Water — fevourous Heats by Day and Sweats by Night are
returned upon me, which is an infallible Symptom with me that
it is Time to throw off all Care, for a Time and take a little Rest.
I have several Times with the Blessing of God, saved my Life in
this Way, and am now determined to attempt it once more.
You must be very Speedy in appointing other Delegates, or you
will not be represented here. Go home I will, if I leave the Massa
chusetts without a Member here. You know my Resolutions in
these Matters are not easily altered.
I know better than any Body what my Constitution will bear,
and what it will not, and you may depend upon it, I have already
tempted it beyond Prudence and Safety. A few Months Rest-and
Relaxation will recruit me. But this is absolutely necessary for
that End.
I have sent a Resignation to the General Court and am deter
mined to take six Months rest at least — I wish to be released
from Philadelphia forever. But in Case the General Court should
wish otherwise, which I hope they will not, I don't mean Surlily
to refuse them. If you appoint Such a Number, that we can have
a Respit, once in Six Months at furthest, or once in three if that
is more convenient, I should be willing to take another Trick or
two. But I will never again undertake upon any other Terms
i In the Works of John Adams (ix. 428) the sentence reads "Mr. S. Adams, between
you "etc.
266 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
unless I should undertake for a Year and bring my Wife and four
Children with me, as many other Gentlemen here have done;
which as I know it would be infinitely more agreeable, and more
for the Benefit of my Children, so in my Sincere opinion, it would
be cheaper for the Province, because I am sure I could bring my
whole Family here and maintain it as cheap as I can live here
Single at Board with a servant and two Horses. I am, etc.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, August 7th, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — Reading and writeing have for some time past
been interdicted on account of the small pox affecting my eyes,
which is the reason that you have heard from me so seldom of late.
I generally scribble to you when opportunity presents, whether I
have much or indeed any thing of consequence to say, or not. I
received yours of the 24th, 25th, and 27th July, with the inclosed,
which I have delivered as directed. I can't express the uneasiness
they have given me. I have all along feared that the continual
application to business, in a place and season so unfavourable to
health would be too much for you; but had begun to flatter myself
that either from being more used to the climate, or from a firmer
state of nerves you would be able to go through this season. I hope
a ride will recover you and my good friend the Secretary. This I
hope for sincerely both for my own sake and that of the publick,
for I know not how to fill your places. Sure I am that whoever
succeeds must go on the great theatre under great disadvantages.
However I am willing to give you all the relief in my power. You
should have rest and relaxation. I would therefore make an addi
tion to the delegation which might serve till you are recruited. I
have mentioned it to Dana, who I think I should like for one. I
suppose we shall not be able to persuade Major Hawley. I wish
we could. The others you mention I fear, either for want of abili-
ities or determined resolution, will not do. I am sorry to hear that
Pain is also sick. Why do you fix yourselves down in a place so
unhealthy? Is there no other on the Continent to which you might
1776] IVarren- Adams Letters 267
adjourn at least for the summer months? I shall expect you very
soon. Our friend Mr. Gerry intends to return next week. I have
no kind of news. Our attention is turned to New York, from which
place we expect something important very soon. The spirit of
privateering prevails here, and I think great numbers will soon
be out. The General Court is prorogued to the last of this month-
I hope our recruits are in the Army at York before now. I have
done every thing I can to hurry them. I presume Mrs. Adams
will give you a state of your family by this post and tell you they
are well, and most of them through the small pox. This distemper
has been generally more severe than usual, and attended with one
circumstance unusual and very disagreable, the failure of Inocu
lation in many instances, and thfe uncertainty of it in many others,
by which means many take it in the natural way. I wish you
better health and every happiness, and am yours Sincerely.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, August n, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — The singular situation and great sufferings
of Mrs. Temple have induced me to advise her to write to you, and
hope from an application to your justice and benevolence for all
the aid and compensation that can with propriety be given. I have
encouraged her to expect at least an answer to her letter, which is
more than the President with all his politeness gave to one of
which the inclosed is a copy. Had I known your state of health, or
determination to return home, I should not have been the occasion
of this trouble. I wish I could entertain you with any important
intelligence. We have nothing going forward here but fixing out
privateers, and condemnation and sale of prizes sent in by them,
so many that I am quite lost in my estimate of them, and West
India Goods are falling at a great rate. Yesterday arrived a prize
taken by a York Privateer with several hundred bags of cotton (a
capital article), etc., etc. While all this is going forward, and whole
fleets have been here, and might have been taken by your ships if at
sea, I can't sufficiently lament the languor, and seeming inatten-
268 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
tion to so important a matter. A very fine ship lies at Portsmouth
waiting only for guns, and I am told there are not yet orders issued
for manning those at Newbury Port. This delay disgusts the offi
cers, and occasions them to repent entering the service. I informed
you in my last that we were calling in every twenty-fifth man of the
Train Band and Alarm List to supply the places of your Battalions
called away, and already marched. These men are comeing into
the place of Rendezvous, Dorchester Heights; but you have ap
pointed no General Officer to command them, and unless General
Ward can be prevailed on to continue, I know not how they can
be furnished with pay, subsistence, barracks, utensils, or ordinance
stores. Would it not be well to appoint a Major General to com
mand in the Eastern department only ? I am not aware of any disad
vantages in such an appointment. I hope before this the Confedera
tion, arid matter of foreign Alliances are determined. As I suppose
matters will go more glibly after the Declaration of Independence,
which by the way was read this Afternoon by Doctor Cooper, and
attended to by the Auditory with great solemnity and satisfaction.
Matters of great importance must after all remain to be settled.
Among which I Conceive Coin and Commerce are not to be reck
oned among the smallest. These are indeed such intricate subjects
that I dont pretend to comprehend them in their full extent.
Your currency still retains its credit, but how long that will last if
you continue large emissions, is difficult for me to guess. Com
merce is a subject of amazeing extent. While such matters are
on the carpet how can we spare you. I suppose Mrs. Adams will
inform you by this Post that she and the children are well, tho'
Charles l has not yet had the small pox, which is the case with many
others after being inoculated two, three, and even six or seven
times. The Physicians can't account for this. Several persons
that supposed they had it lightly last winter, and some before, now
have it in the natural way. Mrs. Warren and myself have been
fortunate enough to have it very cleverly and propose going home
this week. She joins me in the sincerest regards, for you and Mrs.
Adams, and wishes for your health and happiness. I am etc.,
[No signature.]
I Charles Adams (1770-1800).
Warren- Adams Letters 269
If the news you have from France be true, the ball must wind up
soon. God grant a confirmation. I long to be a Farmer again.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN *
PHILADELPHIA, August 17, 1776
DEAR SIR, — I had a letter from you by the Post yesterday,
congratulate you, and your other self, on your happy Passage,
through the Small Pox.
I must intreat you to embrace the earliest opportunity, after the
General Court shall assemble, to elect some new Members to at
tend here, at least one, instead of me. As to others they will follow,
their own Inclinations. If it had not been for the critical State of
Things, I should have been at Boston, e'er now. But a Battle,
being expected at New York, as it is every day, and has been for
some Time, I thought it would not be well to leave my Station
here. Indeed if the Decision Should be unfortunate, it will be
absolutely necessary, for a Congress to be sitting and perhaps, I
may be as well calculated to sustain Such a Shock, as Some others,
it will be necessary to have Some Persons here, who will not be
Seized with an Ague fit upon the Occasion. So much for froth!
now for Something of Importance. Our Province has neglected
Some particular Measures, apparently of Small Moment, which
are really important. One in particular let me mention at present.
You should have numbered your Regiments; and arranged all
your officers, according to their Rank, and transmitted them to
Congress, at least to your Delegates here. I assure you, I have
suffered much for Want of this Information. Besides this has a
great Effect upon the Public. The five and Twentyeth Regiment
from the Republic of Massachusetts Bay, would make a Sound.
New York, New Jersey, Pensilvania, Virginia, etc., are very Sen
sible of this. They have taken this political precaution, and have
found its advantage. It has a good Effect too upon officers. It
makes them think themselves Men of Consequence, it excites their
Ambition, and makes them stand upon their Honour.
Another Subject of great Importance, We ought to have been
I Printed in part in Works of John Adams, i. 253.
270 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
informed of, I mean your Navy. We ought to have known the
Number of your armed Vessells, their Tonnage, Number of Guns,
Weight of Metal, Number of Men, Officers Names, Ranks, Charac
ters; in short, you should have given Us your compleat Army and
Navy Lists. Besides this one would have thought We should have
been informed by some Means or other, of the Privateers fitted
out in your State — their Size, Tonnage, Guns, Men, Officers'
Names and Characters. But in all these Respects I declare myself
as ignorant, as the Duke de Choiseul, and I Suspect much more so.
Our People have a curious Way of telling a Story. "The Con
tinental Cruizers Hancock and Franklin, took a noble Prize" Ay!
but who knows any Thing about the Said Cruisers? How large
are they ? how many Guns ? 6, 9, 1 2, 1 8 or 24-Pounders ? how many
Men? Who was the Commander? These Questions are asked me
so often, that I am ashamed to repeat my Answer, I dont know,
I can't tell, I have not heard, our province have never informed
me. The Reputation of the Province, the Character of your
officers, and the real Interests of both Suffer inexpressibly by this
Inaccuracy and Negligence. Look into Coll. Campbell's Letter.
With what Precision he states every particular of his own Force,
of the Force of his Adversary, and how exact is his Narration of
Facts and Circumstances, Step by Step? When shall We acquire
equal Wisdom ? We must take more Pains to get Men of thorough
Education and Accomplishments into every Department, civil,
military, and naval. I am as usual.
[No signature.]
My Horse upon which I depended is ruined. How and where to
get another to carry me home, I know not. I wrote to my Partner
to Speak to some Members of the G. Court, to see if they could
furnish me with a Couple of good Saddle Horses. If not she will
be put to some Trouble I fear.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, August 21, 1776
DEAR SIR, --Yours of Aug. n reached me Yesterday. Mrs.
Temple shall have all the assistance which I can give her, but I
Warren- Adams Letters 271
fear it will be without success. It will be a Precedent for So many
others, that there is no seeing the End of it. I shall answer her
Letter by the next Post, and if I cannot promise her any Relief,
I can assure her of Mr. Temple's Arrival, and of his having Leave
to go home, which I presume will be more welcome News.
The success of your Privateers is incouraging. I lament with
you the Languor and Inattention to the Fleet. I wish I could
explain to you my Sentiments upon this Subject, but I will not.
I am determined you shall come here, and see, and hear, and feel
for yourself, and that Major Hawley and Some others shall do the
same. I must not write Strictures upon Characters. I set all Man
kind a Swearing if I do. I must not point out to you, not even to
you, the Causes of the Losses, Disgraces, and Misfortunes, that
befall you. I make the Faces of my best Friends a mile long if I
do. What then shall I do? Just what I have long Since determined,
go home, and let two or three of you come here and fret yourselves,
as long as I have done, untill you shall acknowledge that I had
Reason.
There is a Marine Committee, who have the Care of every
Thing relating to the Navy. Hopkins and his Captains, Salton-
stall, and Whipple, have been summoned here, and here they have
lingered and their ships laid idle. I cannot, I will not explain this
Business to you; because if I should, it would get into a News
Paper, I suppose. You must come and see.
We suffer inexpressibly for Want of Men of Business. — Men
acquainted with War by Sea and Land, Men who have no Pleasure
but in Business. You have them, send them along.
Have you got Boston Harbour sufficiently fortified? If not take
no Rest untill it is done. Howe must have Winter Quarters,
somewhere. If he can't obtain them at New York, he must attempt
them at the Southward or Northward, it will be your Fault, if you
are not prepared for him in the North. I took a Hint from your
Letter and this day obtained a Resolution authorising and desiring
General Ward to continue in the Command in the Eastern De
partment, untill further orders.1 I hope he will comply. He has
some good Officers about him, and he does very well. We give
I Journals of the Continental Congress, v. 694.
272 JVarren- Adams Letters [1776
him the Credit in the War Office of making the best Returns that
We receive from any Department. The Scene brightens at Ticon-
deroga, and We have a very numerous Army at N. York. By the
last Return We have more than Eight and twenty thousand Men
including Officers, at New York, exclusive of all in the Jerseys.
Since which Men have been pouring in from Connecticutt. Massa
chusetts I think is rather lazy this Campaign. Remember me with
all possible Respect to your good Lady, and believe me to be as
usual.
[No signature. I
Since the foregoing was written I have procured Mrs. Temple's
Letter to be committed.1 I must depend upon the Gen. Court to
send me a Couple of good Saddle Horses.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Septr. 4, 1776
DEAR SIR, — It is in vain for me to think of telling you News; be
cause you have direct Intelligence from Ticonderoga much sooner
than I have, and from N. York sooner than I can transmit it to you.
Before this Time the Secretary has arrived, and will give you all
the Information you can wish, concerning the State of Things here.
Mr. G[erry] got in the day before yesterday, very well.
There has been a Change in our Affairs at New York. What
Effects it will produce I cant pretend to foretell, I confess, I do
not clearly foresee. Lord Howe is surrounded with disaffected
American Machiavellians, Exiles from Boston and elsewhere, who
are instigating him to mingle Art with Force. He has sent Sullivan
here, upon his Parol, with the most insidious, 'tho ridiculous Mes
sage which you can conceive.2 It has put Us rather in a delicate
Situation, and gives Us much Trouble. Before this day no doubt
you have appointed some other Persons to come here, and I shall
embrace the first Opportunity, after our Affairs shall get into a
more settled Train to return.
1 This was not done until August 23. The report of the Committee was adopted August
28. Journals of the Continental Congress, v. 699, 713.
2 Ib., 730.
1 77 6] W^arren- Adams Letters 273
It is high Time, for me, I assure you; yet I will not go, while the
present Fermentation lasts, but stay and watch the Crisis, and
like a good Phisician assist Nature in throwing off the morbific
Matter. The Bearer, Mr. Hare, is a Brother of the Gentleman of
the same Name in this City, who has made himself so famous by
introducing the Brewery of Porter into America. He wants to see
our Country, Harvard Colledge, the Town of Boston, etc. If you
can help him to such a Sight I should be glad. Can't you agree
with him to erect a Brewery of Porter in Mass.? 1 Your Barley
and Water too, are preferable to any here.
Upon the Receipt of yours and Mrs. Temple's Letters I com
municated the Contents of them to Congress, who appointed a
Committee to consider them, who reported that the Trees should
be paid for as Wood. The President I suppose has communicated
the Resolution upon it, which agrees with the Report. I should
be glad to write Mrs. Temple an Account of this, but have not
Time. You will be so good as to let her know it. I answered her
Letter before her affair was determined.2
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
WATERTOWN, Sep. I9th, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote you in my last that we were about
raising every fifth man of our Alarm and Train Band List to go to
the aid of the Army at New York. Except from some remote
Counties and Seaport Towns, we have now concluded that busi
ness.3 -The orders are gone out and they are now executing. Only
one Regiment of them are to be taken to go to Rhode Island.4
That there should be no failure in this business we were last night
1 Bishop (History of American Manufactures, I. 265) states that "pale ale and porter
were first made in this country about the year 1774." Robert Hare and Son (the chemist),
with whom was associated J. Warren, of London, were the original makers of Hare and
Twells' porter. The brew-house, in 1785, was in Callowhill Street, between Front and
Second, Philadelphia. Robert Hare died in 1810.
2 A letter from Adams to Warren, dated September 8, 1776, is in Works of John Adams,
ix. 440.
3 Resolves of the Mass. General Assembly, September 10, 1776.
4 The men drafted from Plymouth and Barnstable were to be sent to Rhode Island. Ib.,
September 13, 1776.
274 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
adjourned to the 9th of October, that every member might go
into his town, and give his assistance to spirit and encourage the
men. The House chose me as a Major General to lead this detach
ment but I thought I could not at this time support the fatigue.
They excused me and chose Lincoln.1 We have in the course of
this Session, which has been unusually short,2 attended as much
as we could to the capital articles of manufacturing cannon, small
arms, saltpetre, lead, etc., and laid an embargo on the exportation
of Lumber, even from one port to another till the first of Novem
ber, least it should fall into the enemy's hands, and furnish them
materials for winter quarters.3
I rec'd yours of the 4th Instant by Mr. Hare, but have not had
an opportunity of seeing him, and am now just setting out for
home. If he tarrys till I return shall take care to see him. We have
not yet made an addition to our Delegates, no body seems to be
against it, many are indifferent about it, and those that wish to
have it done, are at a loss where to find the men; so it is procras
tinated and left to the next setting. I can easily conceive this is
such a juncture as you would not like to leave Philadelphia. I hope
such physicians as we most depend on wont leave us at this time.
Tho' I am anxiously concerned for your health, I could wish to
have you stay a little longer. I have a great curiosity to know what
the message carried by Sullivan was. We have had reports that
Congress had chose a Committee to treat with Lord and General
Howe and tho' we liked the Committee, you being one of them,
we did not approve the measure, and it has made more sober faces
than the advantages gained by our enemies at Long Island, etc.
My company are ready to set out and I must conclude. • Your
Friend, etc.
[No signature.]
I shall call on Mrs. Adams this day.
1 Journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), September 14, 1777.
2 From August 28.
3 Mass. Prov. Laws, v. 558.
1 77*] Warren- Adams Letters 275
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Sept. 25, 1776
DR. SIR, — This Express carries a new Plan of an Army l I
hope the Gen. Court without one Moments delay will Send Com
missions to whole Corps of their officers, either by Expresses or
Committees to New York, and Ticonderoga, that as many Men
may be inlisted without delay as possible. It may be best to send
a Committee with full Powers to each Place. There is no Time
to be lost. I inclose you a sett of Articles as lately amended.
Discipline I hope will be introduced at last. I am,
JOHN ADAMS
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Nov. 6, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I just now receivd your obliging Letter of
the 24th of October by the Post. I am exceedingly pleasd with the
patriotick Spirit which prevails in our Genl. Assembly. Indeed
it does them great Honor. I hope the Increase of Pay will be con-
find to the Militia to induce them to continue in the Army till a
full Inlistment of our Quota for a new Army shall be compleated
on the Encouragement offerd by Congress, which I have found
since I left you is increasd by a suit of Cloaths annually. Congress
could not account for the Delay of the Assemblies 'to send Com
mittees to the Camp agreeable to their Recommendation, but by
your Letter I am led to believe that the answer of our Assembly
was among those Letters which were lately stolen from an Express
on the Road. The Necessity of immediate Application to the im
portant Business of inlisting a new Army indued Congress to
direct the Commander in Chief to give orders for that Purpose
even though the Committees should not have arrivd. I am glad
however that your Committee is gone to Head Quarters, for I
am persuaded they will be very usefull. I hear with Pleasure that
you have appointed a Committee of War.2 It has ever appeared
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, v. 762.
2 The House of Representatives passed a resolve for appointing a Board of War, October
24, and on October 30 named the following members: James Bowdoin, George Whitcomb,
276 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
to me to be necessary and it must be attended with happy Effects.
While we are taking such Measures as I trust will be effectual to
put a Stop to and totally defeat the Designs of the open Invaders
of our Rights, are we not too inattentive to the Machinations of
our secret and perhaps more inveterate Enemies? Believe me, it
is my Opinion that of the two, the latter are by far the more dan
gerous. I hope you have not many of these among you, Some I
know you have. Measures are taking here to suppress them.
Nov. 9th. Mr. Partridge l arrivd in this City the last Evening,
having been dispatchd by your Committee at Genl. Washington's
Head Quarters, who have consulted with the General concerning
the Augmentation made by our Assembly of the Pay of the Troops
to be raisd by our State. The General advisd them to lay the Mat
ter before Congress. We intend to bring it on this day.2 I have
strong Doubts whether it will succeed here. Men must be prevaild
upon to inlist at some Rate or other, and I think it must be con-
fessd that our State have shewn a laudable Zeal for the publick
Service. But if the other States which are to have Troops in the
Army should not consent to give the same Encouragement, it may
cause great Uneasiness among them. I am the more ready to be
lieve it will not be well receivd in Congress because a proposal
made not long ago by the Maryland Convention for them to offer
to their Men Ten Dollars in Lieu of the 100 Acres of Land was
rejected.
Nov. ii. On Saturday last Congress considerd the Business
on which Mr. Partridge is here. A Comte. was appointed who
have this day reported against your Resolution and the Report
is agreed to, but as the Resolution must be known to the Soldiers,
it has greatly embarrassd us. A Motion was made to limit the
Duration of the Inlistments, which after Debate was postpond
and is to be determind tomorrow. If the present Encouragement
offerd by Congress is continued only for a limited Time of three
£>seph Palmer, Henry Bromfield, Samuel Philips Savage, James Prescott, Samuel Alleyne
tis, Jonathan Jackson and Jonathan Glover.
1 George Partridge (1740-1828). He brought a letter from Timothy Danielson, chair
man of the Massachusetts Committee sent to headquarters.
2 It was referred to a committee composed of James Wilson, Edward Rutledge and
George Wythe, and their report is in Journals of the Continental Congress, vi. 944.
1776] Warren- Adams Letters 277
or four years, it certainly would be very great. I will inform you
further of this Affair tomorrow.
Nov. 1 2th. The Motion I yesterday mentiond has been this
Day considered and Congress have resolvd upon an Alternative;
that is, so far to reconsider their former Resolution as to admit of
Inlistments for three years with the Bounty of 20 Dollars and the
Suit of Cloaths annually, or during the War, with the Addition
of the loo Acres of Land ; and our Committee is desired not to offer
the further Encouragement of 20 / You will have a Copy of this
Resolution sent to you by the President. Would it not be proper
to send immediate Instructions to your Committees at the several
Camps to settle the Affair of Officers, and exert themselves in the
most important Business of procuring a new Army? I am affec
tionately yours,
S. A.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Novr. i6th, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I have already wrote to you by this Convey
ance. The Express having been delayed till this Time affords me
an Opportunity of congratulating you and my other Friends on
the Retreat of General Carleton with his whole Force from Crown
Point into Canada, an Account of which we had the day before
yesterday in a Letter from General Gates.1 Yesterday we had a
Letter from a Gentleman 2 living on the Sea Coasts of New Jer
sey, acquainting us that near 100 Sail of the Enemies Transports,
with a 50- or 6o-Gun Ship and two Frigates, were seen coming
from Sandy Hook and steering Eastward [southward].
We had also a Letter from Genl. Greene,3 who informs that he
had Intelligence by a Gentleman of good Credit who came from
Staten Island, that Ten Thousand of the Enemies Troops were
embarqued, and it was given out that they were destind to South
Carolina. It is said that Lord Dunmore is to take the Command,
from whence one would suppose they are bound to Virginia. Some
1 Dated November 5. Printed in Force, American Archives, 5th ser., in. 526.
2 James Searle, of Long Branch, New Jersey. /£., 669.
3 Dated November 12. Ib., 652. Justice Mesereau was his informant.
278 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
think they are coming to this City, which I confess as an Ameri
can I would chuse. The People here are preparing to give them a
proper Reception. Wherever they may make the Attack, I flatter
myself a good Account will be given of them. If so great a Part
of the Enemies Army is withdrawn from New York may we not
reasonably expect that the Remainder will be easily conquered
this Winter. I am earnestly sollicitous that they may have a
handsome Drubbing. We must not, however, suffer any flattering
Prospect to abate our Zeal in procuring a sufficient Army. We
know not what Game our Enemies may play. There is no Reason
to believe they will quit their darling Plan of subduing, if possible,
the New England States. We ought therefore to be very vigilant
and active. An Army we must keep up. A Plan is now in Agita
tion to prevent the Soldiers being abusd by the Extortion of
Sutlers.
Nov. lyth. I know not what detains this Express, but he is
still here, which affords me an Opportunity of informing you that
we have this day reed a Letter from Genl. Gates.1 Your advancd
Pay to the Soldiers is as disagreeable to him as it is to Genl. Wash
ington and for the same Reason.
Pray write to me by every opportunity and believe me to be
your Friend.2
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPA., Dec. 6, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote to you two days ago by a Captn.
Potes. This will be deliverd to you by Mr. Livingston who is
employed by a Committee of Congress to repair to the Eastern
States to purchase cloathing for the Army. I inclosd to you not
long ago a Resolve of Congress relating to Shoes and Stockings
which it is supposd can be procured in very considerable Quanti
ties in those States.3 I then mentiond to you my hopes that your
i Dated at Ticonderoga, November 6. Ib., 549.
Samuel Adams™ ^T^ M^S *° ]a™S Warren' December 4, 1776, is in Wells' Lift of
3 Journals of the Continental Congress, vi. 984.
1776] Warren- ^4 dams Letters 279
Committee had collected a good Stock of Cloaths. I had venturd
almost to assure Congress that this had been done. There is a
fatality attends the Post notwithstanding all that has been done
to regulate it, so that we can seldom get Intelligence from our
Constituents, while the Gentlemen of other States have Advice
from theirs either by Post or Express at least every Week. Would
you believe it, we had but one Post from the Eastward since my
last Arrival here on the 24th of October. I wish we could hear
often from you. Much is to be done this Winter to prepare for
the ensuing Spring. The Enemy it is now said, are in retreating
order from Brunswick.
By the last Accounts from the Northward we are informd that
the Ice begins to make on the Lakes. A few choice Friends have
conceivd it very practicable when the Enemies Vessels are closd
in -the Ice to destroy them by burning. Could this be done it
would exceedingly distress the Enemy and confound them. I con
fess I am enthusiastical in this Matter. I wish you would consult
a few concerning it. If it is a Proposal worth your Notice, and I
hardly doubt you will think it so, it must be communicated to a
very few. I should think it would be best set on foot and executed
by the New England People and I dare say there are trusty Men
in our State who thoroughly understand such kind of Business.
Sat Ferbum Sapienti. Think seriously of it. Adieu.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Deer. 12, 1776
MY DEAR SIR, — As I keep no Copies of my Letters, you must
excuse me if I sometimes make Repetitions. I recollect that in
my last I gave you some Account of the Movements of the two
Armies. The Enemy have advanced as far as Trenton, thirty
Miles from this City, and this Evening we are informd that a body
of about 400 Hessians are got to Burlington, about 17 miles dis
tance on the opposite Side of the Delaware. Nothing can exceed
the Lethargy that has seizd the People of this State and the Jer
seys. Our Friends who belong to those States are unwilling to have
280 Warren- Adams Letters [1776
it imputed to Disaffection and indeed I am unwilling myself to
attribute it to so shameful a Cause. Npn-Resistance is the pro
fessed Principle of Quakers, but the Religion of many of them is
to. get money and sleep, as the vulgar Phrase is, in a whole Skin.
The Interest of the Proprietor is at Antipodes with that of Amer
ica. At least I suppose he thinks so, and though he is apparently
inactive, there are many Engines which he can secretly set to
Work. These are no doubt partly the Causes of the Evil. Besides
there are many Tories here who have been for Months past exciting
a violent Contest among the well affected about their new form
of Government, on purpose to imbitter their Spirits and divert
their Attention from the great Cause. But the foundation of all
was laid Months ago through the Folly, I will not say a harsher
Word, of that excellent superlatively wise and great Patriot
D[ickinson], who from the loth of Septr. 1774, to the 4th of July,
1776, has been urging upon every Individual and Body of Men
over whom he had any Influence, the Necessity of making Terms
of Accommodation with Great Britain. With this he has poisend
the Minds of the People, the Effect of which is a total Stagnation
of the Power of Resentment, the utter Loss of every manly Sen
timent of Liberty and Virtue. I give up this City and State for lost
until recovered by other Americans. Our cause however will be
supported. It is the Cause of God and Men, and virtuous Men by
the Smiles of Heaven will bring it to a happy Issue. Our Army is
reducd to an handful and I suppose by the last of this Month
will be reduced to Nothing; and Some of the Friends think the
Congress will soon be taken napping. There are I am well as
sured, Materials in this great Continent to make as good an Army,
if not a better Congress. There are indeed some Members of
that respectable body whose Understanding and true Patriotism
I revere. May God prosper them and increase the Number!
Where are your new Members? I greatly applaud your Choice
of them. Mr. J. A. I hope is on the Road. We never wanted him
more. Mr. P[aine] has this day left the Congress having leave
after laboring in the service Sixteen Months without Cessation.
I wish him safe with his Family. We seldom hear from N. England
One Post perhaps in a Month! I am told that Soldiers inlist there
i?77] Warren- Adams Letters 281
very briskly. I wish I could have an Assurance of it from you.
Have you provided a good Stock of Cloathing? I have ventured
almost positively to assert that you have. It would be a Satisfac
tion to me to be authorized by you to assert it. Britain will strain
every Nerve to subjugate America the next year. She will call
wicked Men and Devils to her Aid. Remember that New England
is the Object of her Fury. She hates her for the very Reason for
which virtuous Men even adore her. Are you enough on your
Guard? Is Boston sufficiently fortified? For your Comfort I will
tell you that in my Opinion our Affairs abroad wear a promising
Aspect. I wish I could be more explicit, but I conjure you not to
depend too much upon foreign Aid. Let America exert her own
Strength. Let her depend upon Gods Blessing, and He who can
not be indifferent to her righteous Cause will even work Miracles
if necessary to carry her thro this glorious Conflict, and establish
her feet upon a Rock. Adieu my Friend, the Clock strikes —
Twelve.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Jany. i, 1777.
MY DEAR SIR, — I am determined to omit no opportunity of
writing to you although I have very seldom of late receivd a Letter
from you. Your second Favor came to my hands a few days ago,
inclosing Copies of Papers from Spain. I am much obliged to you
for them. Our Affairs in Europe look well, and additional Measures
have been taken here, to establish them in that Part of the World
on a solid Foundation. I assure you Business has been done since
we came to this place, more to my Satisfaction than any or every
thing done before, excepting the Declaration of Independence,
which should have been made immediately after the iQth of April,
'75.
Our Ministers abroad are directed to assure foreign Courts ', that
notwithstanding the artful and insidious Representations of the
Emissaries of Britain to the Contrary, the Congress and People of
the United States are determind to maintain their Independence
282 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
at all Events.1 This was done before the Success of our Arms in
Jersey of which you will doubtless have receivd Intelligence before
this Letter will reach you. Generals Sullivan and Green com
manded the two Divisions. The Enemy had before made Lee a
Prisoner; but we have convincd them that great as his Abilities
are, we can beat them without him. I now think that Britain will
make a contemptible Figure in America and Europe, but we must
still make our utmost Exertions. Pray let the levies required of
our State be raisd with all possible Expedition. By this Convey
ance you will have a Resolution vesting large Powers in General
Washington, for a limitted time.2 It became in my Opinion neces
sary. The Hint I gave you some time ago I still think very im
portant. Genl. Gates arrivd here the day before yesterday. I have
conversd with him upon it. He told me he had conceivd it before
and wishes the Measure may be tryed. It requires Secrecy and
Dispatch. Lt. Colo. Stuart3 will set off tomorrow with Directions
to proceed as far as Boston to purchase Ordnance and other
Stores, if they cannot be procured elsewhere. He is General Gates'
Aid de Camp and is very clever. I wish you would take Notice of
him.
But I am now called off. Adieu my Friend.
[No signature.]
HANNAH WINTHROP TO MERCY WARREN
Jan. 14, 1777
I feel myself much obliged to my dear Friend every time I
peruse her kind favors which I often do over and over again in the
room of a fresh supply. It would give me additional pleasure to
bring you often in arrears if it was not for trespassing on those
important hours which from your extensive Correspondence and
the happy arrangement of your domestic Concerns can admit —
but of little vacancy. I must confess to you the inauspicious ap
pearances of the last year together with the clouded brow of a
great and good Patriot, the unfavourable Imagery you thot recent
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, vi. 1054. It was passed December 30.
2 Ib., 1045. 3 Walter Stewart?
Warren- Adams Letters 283
in his mind encreasd the anxiety of my too often desponding
imagination but I think a New Year presents a brighter View. I
congratulate you on our late Success, let us my friend enjoy this
Victory, and tho a Skillful General has been meanly kidnapped
let us not think the Fate of America hangs on the Prowess of a
single person. My son William receivd a letter last night from an
officer of distinguished rank in the army who writes — • The Scale
is turnd greatly in our Favor. The enemy are intimidated and
fleeing before them and says if we had but 5000 Continental Troops
he makes no doubt they would be able to cut them all off. How
ever he hopes to diminish them greatly. What a pity it is to want
men at so important a Crisis. He gives the N. Englanders great
merit in the Late glorious Action. He mentions a brisk Cannonade
supposed to be at Princetown Jany the jd from whence we expect
some important news. The description you give of the meeting of
our Ambassadors on Long Island is romantically pleasing. The
Sage the Venerable Mentor who is gone beyond Sea I think gives
a dignity to all his Negotiations. I wish to Heaven he may succeed
in what ever he undertakes. He wrote a short leave to the small
Circle of His Favorites intimating that His encreasing Years
forbid him thinking of a return to his Native Clime; 'but he left
them with the most invigorating Sentiments of Affection for His
dear Country.' How happy would it be if such Valuable lives might
be protracted beyond the four score Limits. I hear the other
gentleman is now blest with returning Spirits. I long to know your
Sentiments of present Appearances. I hear Plimouth has producd
lately a Prophetical Egg that bodes no good to America for the
year '77, but as it is said to be laid by a Tory hen I interpret it to
be what is wishd rather than what will happen. The inscription
on it is said to be Howe will Conquer America, but I believe the
Prophecy will prove as Brittle as the Tablet on which it is engravd .
If I tho't you would not charge me with an Affectation of
dabbling in Astronomy I would tell you I was lately an Humble
Attendant on my observer of the grand movements of the Celes
tial Orbs in His observation of Cynthia in Eclipsing that glorious
Luminary that rules the day. However enwrapt in incertainty the
events in which we of this Terrestrial ball are interested a perfect
284 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
regularity reigns there. No intervening accident can prevent the
Completion of their appointed route. The Sky at the begining of
the Eclipse was unkindly overspread with Clouds but soon Cleard
off, and gave so good a View as to be able to judge with Precision
the Quantity and duration of the Moon's path over the Sun. He
has also this fall taken a trip with little Mercury across the Sun
similar to the Transit of Venus. I think a beautifull Sight. I assure
you these are great Points to an astronomer, tho the greater
part of Mankind are so inattentive to these Glorious works of
an Almighty Creator that they rise and shine and perform their
amazing Circuits without any other observation than its being
sometimes a fine sunshine day, or a fine Starlight Evening. Now
I have incurrd your Censure pray pass Sentence; however I hope
the inhabitants of those States are better employd than in spread
ing devastation and death among their Loyal Subjects and
brethren. My Sister has been obligd to make another move, they
reside in Coll. Phips's House. Her pearly drops are often flowing
at her unhappy Situation — five removes since the Cruel burning
of Charlestown. I endeavor to bring to her View the Scenes of
ravage and bloodshed which mark the progress of British and
Hessian Troops thro the Jerseys, enough to thaw the most frozen
heart, but it is much easier to Preach Fortitude and Patience
under Sufferings than to Practice them. You and I are enjoying
our homes, but I dare not indulge the thought how it will be with
us in the Spring — the only Consolating Consideration is an alwise
Superintendant at Helm with Universal Nature at Command.
I give you joy on the recovery of Your Sons from the Small Pox.
A great easment to the mind of anxious parents when they enter
on the Theatre of business. General Warren, I hear, is closely
engagd in matters of great moment. Mr. Winthrop joyns me in
wishing him health and happiness and in kind regards to you.
Allow me to Subscribe Your Ever Attentive Friend,
HANNAH WINTHROP
Miss Chrisy presents her most respectfull regards to Mrs.
Warren.
i777l Warren- Adams Letters 285
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Jany. 16, 1777
I [have] receivd a Letter a few days ago from the Council of
Massachusetts Bay, requesting a Sum of Money for [paying the]
Bounty to the Troops to be raisd in that State. Accordingly three
hundred thousand Dollars are orderd for that Purpose,1 which
will be forwarded to the Paymaster in Boston 2 as soon as it can
conveniently be done. In the Mean Time I hope our Assembly
will advance if necessary, for the Levies must be made at all
Events. I observe that our Assembly have made it necessary that
three of their Delegates should be present and concurring in
Opinion, before the Voice of our State can be taken on any Ques
tion in Congress.3 I could wish it had been otherwise. Three only
of your Delegates are now present. It may so happen at other
Times. One of them may be sick. He may be on a Committee or
necessarily absent on publick Business, in which Case our State
will not be effectually represented. While I am writing at the
Table in Congress a worthy Colleague is unavoidably employd on
Business of the Publick at home, and the two present cannot give
the Voice of the State upon a Matter now in Question. Were all
the three present, one of them might controul the other two so
far as to oblige them to be silent when the Question is called for.
But I only mention the Matter, and submit, as it becomes me, to
the Judgment of my Superiors.
Major Hawley and my other patriotic Fellow Labourers, Are
they alive and in Health? I have not receivd a Line from any of
them excepting my worthy Friend, Mr. Nath. Appleton, whose
Letter I will acknowledge to him by the first Opportunity. My
Friends surely cannot think I can go thro' the arduous Business
assignd to me here, without their Advice and Assistance. I do not
know whether you ever intend to write to me again. Assure the
Major from me that a few more of his "broken Hints" would be
of eminent Service to me. You cannot imagine how much I am
I Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 28. 2 Ebenezer Hancock.
3 Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 25. It was altered by the Massachusetts
General Court, February 4, so that any two of the delegation could act. Ib., 169.
286 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
pleasd [with the Spir]it which our Assembly discovers. They seem
[to arouse] every County into Motion. This forebodes in [torn]
that something great will be done. I [never have] since this Con
test began had so happy Feelings as I now have. I begin to an
ticipate [the coming] of Peace on such Terms as independence
[seems] to demand, and I am even now considering] by what
Means the Virtue of my Country[men can] be secured for Ages
yet to come — Virtue which is the Soul of a Republican Govern
ment. Future Events I have learnd by Experience, are uncertain
and some unlucky Circumstance may before long take place,
which may prove sadly mortifying to me. But no such Circum
stance can deprive me of the Pleasure I now enjoy of seeing at a
Distance (not I believe very long) the rising Glories of this new
World. Adieu my Friend and Believe me to be unfeignedly
Yours,
S. ADAMS
The Bearer, Mr. Allen,1 I think, is a good Man. Congress have
appointed him Agent to the Indians of Nova Scotia.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Feb. i, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — The Proceedings of the Committee of the four
New England States have been read in Congress and are now
under the Consideration of a Committee of the whole.2 They are
much applauded as being wise and salutary. I had heard that one
of your Delegates at that Convention 3 had written a long Letter
to his Friend and Confident here; and hearing it whisperd that the
Massachusetts State had disapprovd of those Proceedings I was
led to ask the Gentleman who had receivd the Letter concerning
it. He confirmd it, and said that not only the Trade, but the landed
Gentlemen in the House of Representatives were sanguine against
1 John Allan. His instructions are in Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 38.
2 Transmitted to Congress by Governor Trumbull, January 12, and received by that
body the 28th. The convention met at Providence December 25, 1776, and separated Jan
uary 2. The proceedings are printed in Hoadley, Records of the State of Connecticut, i. 585.
Ihe approval of the Continental Congress is in the Journals, vn. 124.
3 The delegates from Massachusetts were Thomas Cushing, Azor Orne and Tristram
Dalton. Cushing was probably the writer of the letter.
Warren-Adams Letters 287
it. I beggd him to let me see his Letter; but he refusd in a kind of
Pet, telling me it was a private Letter. I was left to conjecture,
whether I had been really impertinent in asking a Sight of his
Letter, or whether the Contents of it were such as it was not proper
for me to see. You will easily conceive what a Scituation one must
be in here, who having receivd no Intelligence himself, of the Sen
timents of his Constituents, is obligd in vain to ask of another,
upon what Principles they have disapprovd of a Measure (if indeed
they did disapprove of it) upon which he is called to give his own
Opinion. But it is difficult to account for men's peevish Humors,
and it is generally not worth ones while to attempt it. You see,
my Friend, from this Instance, the Necessity of your writing to
me oftener. When I was told upon the forementiond Occasion,
that I would be intitled to see the Letters of Another, whenever
I should be disposd to communicate those which I receive myself,
I could have said truly that I had scarcely receivd any.
Two only from you in the Space of near four Months. But I
have no Claim to your Favors, however much I value them, unless
perhaps upon the Score of my having not neglected to write to you
by any Opportunity. Your omitting of late even to acknowledge
the Receipt of my Letters, I might indeed construe as a Silent
Hint that they were displeasing to you.
But I will not believe this till I have it under your own Hand.
While I am writing, your very acceptable Letter is brought to
me by Mr. Lovell. You therein speak, as you ever have done, the
Language of my Soul. Mr. Adams tells me you are President of
the Board of War; I am therefore indued to recall what I have just
now said, which you may construe as an implied Censure for your
not having written to me oftener. I am sure you must have a
great Deal of Business. I am not sorry for it, for a Reason which I
need not mention. I pray God to preserve the Health of your
Body and the Vigor of your Mind. We must chearfully deny our
selves domestick Happiness and the Tranquility of private Life,
when our Country demands our Services.
Give me leave to hint to you my Opinion that it would be a
Saving to our State in the Way of Supplys, if the Board of War
would consign the Cargoes which they order here to a Merchant of
288 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
good Character rather than to the Master of the Vessel. Possibly
there may be some Exceptions; But I have Reason to think that a
Cargo which arrivd about a Fortnight ago, consisting as I am told,
chiefly of Rum and Sugars which were scarce Articles, was sold at
least 30 pCt under what it would have fetchd, if it had been under
the Direction of a Person acquaintd in the Place; and Flour is
purchasing by the Person who bo't the Cargo, and I suppose
expects an Allowance therefor, at an unlimitted Price. I am per-
swaded, if you had by a previous Letter directed a Cargo to be
procurd, you might have had it 20 pCt cheaper. If the Board
should be of my Mind, I know of no Gentlemen whom I would
more freely recommend than Messrs Samuel and Robert Purvy-
ance. They are Merchants of Character, honest and discrete Men,
and warmly attached to our all-important Cause.
But I get out of my Line when I touch upon Commerce. It is
a Subject which I never understood. Adieu my dear Friend.
Believe me to be yours,
S. A.
P.S. I forgot to tell you that, a fair Occasion offering, I movd in
Congress that the Eldest son of our deceasd Friend Genl. Warren
might be adopted by the Continent and educated at the publick
expense. The Motion was pleasing to all and a Committee is
appointed to prepare a Resolve. A Monument is also proposd in
Memory of him and Genl. Mercer whose youngest Son is also to
be adopted and educated. But these things I would not have yet
made publick.1
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Feby. 3, 1777
DEAR SIR — After a very tedious Journey through the severest
Weather, and over very bad Mountains in one Part of it, and per
fect Mortar in the other Part, I am arrived in good Health and
Spirits at Baltimore.
Congress is Sitting, and by the best Information I can obtain
I Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 243.
Warren- Adams Letters 289
from our Friends, are very well united and much more Spirited
than ever.
The Recruiting Service goes on as every Body tells me from
Boston to Baltimore, very well, and it is here said, in Virginia. I
cannot sufficiently express the Sense I have of the indispensible
Importance that our State should be the earliest and most exem
plary in compleating our Quota. It may be depended upon, that
our State is the Barometer at which every other Looks. If the
Mercury rises there, it will rise in every other Part of the Conti
nent, if it falls there, it will fall everywhere.
By all that I can gather, the British Ministry have sollicited
for Cossacks. The Success is doubtfull. But it is the opinion of
a Man in England whose Intelligence has heretofore proved
extreamly exact that the Ministry will be able to obtain near
Twenty thousand Recruits in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and
Germany. If this Conjecture is right, there is great Reason to
Suppose that they will not Venture upon So dangerous a Step as
that of procuring Siberians. Their late great Succeses will in their
Opinion render them unnecessary.
But in all Events, it is our Wisdom, our Prudence, our Policy,
our Cunning, our Duty, our every Thing, to destroy those who are
now in America. They are compleatly in our Power and if We do
not embrace the Opportunity, We shall not only in dust and ashes
repent of our Sloth, but it will be but Justice that We should
Suffer the wretched Consequences of it. I am Sure our brave New
Englandmen can break the Force at Newport, and even the main
Body at Brunswick may be imprisoned. But an Army is wanting.
Don't let it be wanting long.
Congress will do and have done what they can, but if the States
will not execute the plans and Resolutions of Congress, what is
to be expected ?
New England I find is now in higher Estimation than it has been.
Our Troops have behaved nobly, and turned the Fortune of the
War. Pray let us keep up our Credit as I am sure We can. Adieu,
my dear Friend.1
[No signature.]
i Another letter, of the same date, is in Works of John Adams, ix. 450.
290 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Feb. n, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I beg Leave to inclose my Account of Expences
from the 26th of April, 1775, to the 27th of August, 1776, amount
ing to [blank]. I intended to have laid it before the House of Repre
sentatives when I was last in New England; but the sudden Ad
journment of the General Assembly in September and my Hurry
in preparing for my Journey hither, after its sitting again in
October, prevented my attending to it.
When I set off from Lexington after the memorable Battle there
I had with me only the Cloaths upon my Back, which were very
much worn, those which I had provided for myself being in Boston,
and it was out of my Power then to recover them. I was therefore
laid under a Necessity, in order to appear in any kind of Decency
of being at an extraordinary Expence for Cloathing and Linnen
after my Arrival in Philadelphia, which I think makes a reasonable
Charge of Barrils, Leonards, and Stilles Bills in my Account.
It may perhaps be necessary to say something of the Charge
of Horsehire in the last Article. When I left Watertown in Sep
tember, '75, two Horses were deliverd to me out of the publick
Stable by Order of the Honble. Council, for my Self and my
Servant. They were very poor when I took them, and both tired
on the Road as you will observe by my Account. One of them
afterwards died in Philadelphia, which obligd me to purchase
another in that City; and with this Horse I returnd to Boston the
last Fall. His being my own Property, having purchasd him with
out Charge to my Constituents I think gives me a Right to make
a Charge of horse hire, which is left to be carried out in a Sum
which shall be thought just and reasonable. Mr. A[dams] tells me
he is obligd to pay seven pounds io/ for the Hire of each of his
horses to Philadelphia. The other horse I left at Boston (being
worn out) to be disposd of as should be judgd proper.
I shall take it as a Favor if you will present the Account to the
Honble House and acquaint the Committee to whom it may be
referrd with the Reasons of the Charges above mentiond: and
make any other Explanations which you may judge necessary.
Warren- Adams Letters 291
Mrs. A. has the Vouchers', to whom I beg of you to apply for them
in Person before you present the Account. I wish it may be settled
as soon as the House can conveniently attend to it. If an Allow
ance for my Services is considerd at the same Time, which I have
a particular Reason to wish may be done, you will please to be
informd, that I sat off from Lexington to Worcester, on the 26th
of April, '75, and returnd to Watertown on the I4th of August
following. And again I sat off from Watertown on the first of
September, '75, and returnd to Boston on the 27th of August, '76.
I have troubled you with this Epistle of Horse hire and Shop
Goods at a Time when, no doubt, your Attention is called to
Affairs of the greatest Concern to our Country. Excuse me, my
dear Friend, for once, and be assured that I am your affec
tionate,
S. A.
PHILADA., March 25, 1777
DR. SIR, — The foregoing Letter I have detained for want of
such Conveyance as I wishd for. Your two Letters of the — and —
of Feby I have receivd, and have Time at present only to acknow
ledge the Receipt of them, the Bearer being just now going. I
cannot however omit sending you the agreeable Intelligence that
a Vessel arrivd yesterday in this part with ten thousand Stands of
Arms. This is indeed a very timely Supply.
Mrs. A. will give you her Reasons, if you will ask her, why an
Allowance should be made as soon as it can be done with Con
venience, for my Services. This I suppose may be done altho' any
Circumstance should prevent the Adjustment of my account of
Expense, which I do not foresee. Adieu.
S. A.1
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Feb. 16, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — A few days ago, a small Expedition was made
by the Authority of this State aided by a Detachment of Conti-
i A letter from John Adams to Warren, February 12, 1777, is in Works of John Adams,
ix. 452.
29 2 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
ner>tal Regulars, to suppress the Tories in the Counties of Somerset
and Worcester on the Eastern Shore of Chessepeak, where they
are numerous and have arisen to a great Pitch of Insolence.1 We
this day have a Rumour that one of their Principals, a Doctor
Cheyney,2 is taken and we hope to hear of the Business being
effectually done, very soon. In my Opinion, much more is to be
apprehended from the secret Machinations of these rascally
People, than from the open Violence of British and Hessian Sol
diers, whose Success has been in a great Measure owing to the
Aid they have receivd from them. You know that the Tories in
America have always acted upon one System. Their Head
Quarters used to be at Boston — more lately at Philadelphia.
They have continually embarrassed the publick Councils there
and afforded Intelligence, Advice, and Assistance to General
Howe. Their Influence is extended throughout the united States.
Boston has its full Share of them, and yet I do not hear that
Measures have been taken to suppress them. On the Contrary,
I am informd that the Citizens are grown so polite, as to treat
them with Tokens of Civility and Respect. Can a man take Fire
into his Bosom, and not be burnd? Your Massachusetts Tories
communicate with the Enemy in Britain as well as New York.
They give and receive Intelligence, from whence they early form
a Judgment of their Measures. I am told they discoverd an Air of
insolent Tryumph in their Countenances, and saucily enjoyd the
Success of Howe's Forces in Jersey before it happend. Indeed, my
Friend, if Measures are not soon taken, and the most vigorous
ones, to root out these pernicious Weeds, it will be in vain for
America to persevere in this generous Struggle for the publick
Liberty.
General Howe has declared that he intends that General Lee
shall be tried by the Laws of his Country. So he is considerd as a
deserter from the British Army. You know the Resolution of
Congress concerning this Matter.3 It is my Opinion that Lt. Colo.
Campbel4 ought immediately to be secured. He is to be detained
as one upon whom Retalliation is to be made. Would you believe
I Archives of Maryland, xvi. 157, 175. 2 Andrew Francis Cheney.
3 Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 16. 4 Archibald Campbell.
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 293
it, that after the shocking Inhumanities shown to our Country
men in the Jerseys, plundering Houses, cruelly beating old Men,
ravishing Maids, murdering Captives in cold Blood, and system
atically starving Multitudes of Prisoners under his own Eye at
New York, this humane General totally disavows his even winking
at the Tragedy and allows that a few Instances may have happend
which are rather to be lamented. Congress is now busy in consid
ering on the Report of the joynt Committees of the Eastern States.
A curious Debate arose on this Subject, which I have not time now
to mention. I will explain it to you in my next. l Adieu my Friend.
S. A.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
BALTIMORE, Feb. 17, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I have the melancholly Prospect before me of
a Congress continually changing, untill very few Faces remain,
that I saw in the first Congress. Not one from South Carolina,
not one from North Carolina, only one from Virginia, only two
from Maryland, not one from Pennsylvania, Not one from New
Jersey, not one from New York, only one from Connecticutt, not
one from Rhode Island, not one from New Hampshire, only one,
at present, from the Massachusetts. Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Sherman,
and Coll. Richard Henry Lee, Mr. Chase and Mr. Paca, are all
that remain. The rest are dead, resigned, deserted or cutt up into
Governors, etc. at home.
I have the Pleasure however to See every day, that the Govern
ments of the States are acquiring fresh Vigour and that every
Department is working itself clear of Toryism, Timidity, Duplic
ity, and Moderation. New Jersey was never so well represented
as it is now.2 Pensilvania whose Assembly will maintain its
Ground have the last Week appointed a New Delegation, every
Man of whom is as firm as a Rock.3 Maryland also the last Week
1 See Burke's " Abstract of Debates," in No. Ca. Colonial Records, xi. 391.
2 The delegates chosen were Richard Stockton, Jonathan D. Sergeant, John Wither-
spoon, Abraham Clark and Jonathan Elmer. In the absence of recorded votes it is not
possible to say who attended the sessions at this time.
3 On March 10 the General Assembly elected as delegates: Benjamin Franklin, Robert
Morris, Daniel Roberdeau, Jonathan Bayard Smith, George Clymer and James Wilson.
294 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
compleated their new Government, chose Mr. Johnson1 Governor,
chose a new privy Council to the Governor, every Man of whom is
an honest Whigg 2 and also chose a new Delegation in Congress,
every Man of whom is equally Stanch, leaving out all who have
been suspected of Trimming and hankering after the Leeks of
Egypt.3
This evening too we have an ex[press torn] with an Account of
the new Delegates [torn] who are said to be sound.4
Thus We see that our new Governments [are taking firm] root
and Spreading their Branches [torn] ing Changes have We seen?
[torn] done?
I write you no News from the Army. [You are so placed] as to
hear from it, oftener than [I can torn] rumour that gaind Credit
of [an engagement torn] Sennight, the Enemy leaving 327 dead on
the Field.
Congress have this day voted to return to Philadelphia tomor
row Week. The new Army, my dear Sir, the new Army. I feel as
much Pain at loosing the fine Opportunity We now have of de
stroying the Brunswickers, as I should if a surgeon was sawing oflf
my Limbs.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ADAMS MSS.
PLYMOUTH, FeVy 22d, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving
your favours of the 3d and 5th Inst., the first that have come to
hand since your departure. I am extreamly glad to hear of your
safe arrival in health and good spirits at Baltimore. I have had
some uneasiness about you, the weather has been very severe, and
I supposed you must pursue a disagreeable if not a dangerous route;
i Thomas Johnson, jr. 2 Josiah Polk, John Rogers and Edward Lloyd.
3 In November, 1776, Maryland had chosen the following representatives in Congress,
to serve until March, 1777: Matthew Tilghman, Thomas Johnson, jr., William Paca,
Thomas Stone, Samuel Chase, Benjamin Rumsey, and Charles Carroll. On February 15,
Chase, Rumsey, Carroll, Stone, and Paca were re-elected, and William Smith added. This
leaves Tilghman as the "trimmer." Journals oj the Continental Congress, vi. 963; vn. 131.
4 This probably refers to the new delegation from South Carolina, chosen January 10
and 21 : Arthur Middleton, Thomas Heyward, jr., Henry Laurens, Charles Pinckney and
Paul Trapier, jr. Ib., vn. 129.
Pf£,*T^
'&**+•/*. *
2*«- , 'y * ^T /*
* y #* ^ -,
j'**
JL J+r S/M~^i***7 & &^**^.-#'?~&
' ifcr £i 9 ^ f*2 $ -'f~
^) *• * '* '**-*'"* fjp *" ^ 7*^*1^ '>^T * . ^ C,'"*''
k.
Warren- Adams Letters 295
but the climbing mountains and wadeing in difficulties of every
kind has become so familiar to the politicians of this age, that I
hoped one of the first of them would be able to go through it with
out any bad effect on his health and spirits. Every letter I receive
from Baltimore gives me the most pleasing accounts of the union
and spirit of Congress. I hope soon to see the effects of them, but I
observe that while you mention the probability that England is
applying for Cossacks, etc., and that she will be able to raise a
large number of men in her own dominions, and Germany, you
say nothing of any expectations we are to entertain from foreign
aid. I long to see a fleet of French and Spanish Men of War on our
Coast, and our harbours full of their Merchantmen. I am very
sensible of the prudence, policy, duty, etc., of destroying the army
our enemies have already here before the arrival of any reinforce
ment, and have no doubt it might be effected. I am anxiously con
cerned that the honour and reputation of this State should be sup
ported by the wisest and most exemplary exertions. The mercury
rises as high in our political barometer as I could wish, but the
misfortune is there are no steady fixed laws or principles to regu
late its motions. The laws of gravity and uniformity have given
place to levity, versatility, and impatience, the zeal in some to give
every thing to the soldier, the impatience in others in takeing new
measures before they could see the effects of what was already
done, is such that no reason, argument, or influence, I am master
of could carry through a resolve fixing upon something certain
as an ultimatum beyond which in the way of encouragement we
would not go; or prevent the sending out a resolve holding up to
the soldiers a design of makeing a levy on the Towns which is in
effect offering them a bounty of 50 or 60 dollars more,1 and has as I
expected and prophesyed stopped the inlistment of thousands,
who now wait for the opportunity of filching as much money from
their neighbours as they can. From hence has arisen all our diffi
culties in raising our quota. I hope however we shall get through
them, but it will be at an amazeing expence, three-quarters of
which will be absolutely hove away. General Schuyler just before
the Court rose wrote us a letter full of apprehensions of an attack
I Resolves of the Mass. General Assembly, January 28, 1777.
296 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
on Ticonderoga. Four of the Battalions raising here, with what
they have already got, have been under marching orders for that
place sometime. Some of them are gone; the whole may amount to
looo or 1 200 men, and I left the Court considering what other
measures should be taken. I can't tell you what, if anything, has
been done. The Court rose the day I left it, a fortnight ago by
adjournment to the 5th March.
I hope the British Troops now at Newport will not be able long
to keep that place. What remains of them after 2000 gone to
York, are a considerable part invalides. I believe there will soon
be an attempt made in that quarter. I hope the service will not
be injured, by any dissentions or want of subordination there or
elsewhere. Congress have been very rapid in their promotions,
and possibly in some instances have not had the necessary infor
mation; but I could wish to see the officers appointed to any serv
ice so disposed that the spirit and authority of the chief should be
able to check and controul all the subordinates of every rank, how
ever impatient of submission. I am glad to hear that the enlist
ments to the Southward go on well. I hope by this means the serv
ice will be supported till the New England quotas are compleat.
I thank you for the account you give of the perticular situation of
the other Colonies.1 .When we shall form our Constitution, or in
what manner we shall do it I am unable to say. Our own delays
have embarrassed us, and I am persuaded the longer we delay this
business the greater will be the difficulty in executing it. I am
therefore constantly u^geing the necessity of going about it. Vari
ous are the opinions both as to the manner of doing it, and as to the
thing itself. Many are for haveing it done by a Convention, and
many are for one Branch only. I hope both will be avoided. I
don't see a better way as things are than by sending to the several
Towns desireing them at their next elections to have it in view and
vest their members with special powers for this purpose.2
I am extreemly pleased with the conduct of Virginia and Caro
lina with regard to religious establishments. The dissenters there
you say by this means have compleat Liberty of Conscience. Do
1 Works of John Adams, ix. 450.
2 journals of the House of Representatives (Mass.), September 17, 1776,
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 297
you mean that all distinctions in point of privileges and advantages
are abolished? This is an evidence that Episcopacy and Liberty
will not flourish in the same soil. I have intended to write to you
before this but have been prevented by the multiplicity of business
on my hands. The House have set generally to near nine and some
times to ten o'clock in the evening, and my station you know re
quires constant attendance. If you enquire what we are about,
I must tell you, many things which in my opinion we have nothing
to do with, and which ought to be done by your G — • — 1 here, if
you mean he should do any thing for his pay and perquesites; and
many others which would be done with more ease and dispatch
if the powers of such a rara avis in terra were once defined and
known, and whether the publick stores here might be applied to
publick uses and how. As to news we have none. A few prizes,
some of them valuable, have been sent in. Your Navy here still
remains in port. When any of them go to Sea I can't say. The
conduct of this part of your operations will be a subject of curious
enquiry. I hear we are going to have another frigate and a 74-
gun ship built here. Will the conduct of this matter be put into
hands of persons who scarcely know the difference between a ship
and a wheelbarrow, and who seem to have no ideas of the impor
tance of dispatch, or know not how to make it? I want to give you
a few anecdotes and to say many things which I dare not commit
to writeing. Adieu, my Friend.
[No signature.]
When will there be an end of requisitions to us? The Continent
seem to consider us as the repository of manufactures and warlike
stores. We shall not be able to supply their demands, and provide
for our own defence.1
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, March 6, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — Dr. Jackson,2 by whom this will go, is a Man
ager of the State Lottery, and is bound to the New England States,
1 Adams' reply to this letter, dated March 18, 1777, is in Works of John Adams, ix. 456.
2 David Jackson. Journals of the Continental Congress, vi. 982.
298 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
to forward the Sale of the Ticketts. He wishes to be recommended
to proper Persons for the Purpose. If you can assist him with
your Advise you will do a public service.
I can give you no News — but the Skirmish at Spanktown.
This State of Pensilvania have at last compleated their Govern
ment. Wharton 1 is Governor and Bryan 2 Lt. Governor. Their
Council too is at last filled.3 Johnson 4 is Governor of Maryland.
Govr. Livingston's 5 Speech you will see. I hope now the Loan
Offices will supply us with Money, and preclude the Necessity of
any further Emissions. If they don't, what shall We do? But
they will.
I am at last got to think more about my own Expences than
any Thing else: twenty dollars a Cord for Wood. Three Pounds a
Week for Board, meaning Breakfast, Dinner, and bed, without one
drop of Liquor or one Spark of light or fire. I am lost in an Ocean
of Expence. Horse feed in Proportion. Five hundred Sterling will
not pay my Expences for this Year, at this Rate. Pray make
every Body who has Money lend it, that Things may not grow
worse.
The loan Office in this Town is very successfull.
[No signature.]
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO JAMES WARREN
HEAD QRS., MORRISTOWN, March I5th, 1777
SIR, — I was sometime since honoured with your Letter of the
3d. Ulto. The polite manner in which you have been pleased to
express your wishes for my happiness and congratulations upon
the agreeable reverse of our Affairs, after a series of misfortunes,
demand my gratefull acknowledgements; and assured that they
are more than mere professions of Compliment, with equal sincer
ity I return you my thanks. The duties of my Office 't is true and
the various business incident to it, allow me but little time for a
i Thomas Wharton, jr. 2 George Bryan.
3 John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, George Taylor, John Lowdan, John Proctor, John
Hubley.
4 Thomas Johnson, Jr. 5 William Livingston, of New Jersey.
I???] W^arren- Adams Letters 299
friendly correspondence. However, Sir, I shall ever be obliged by
your Favors, and a communication of such things as you may
consider either agreeable or interesting.
The policy adopted for raising your Quota of Men, I could not
but reprehend in some degree, having regard to the influence of the
Precedent upon the States at large. At the same time I am willing
to ascribe it to the motives you mention, and am well convinced
that those and those only gave rise to it. I heartily wish the Ba-
tallions may be soon compleated and for that purpose beg leave
to suggest, that none should be wanting in their exertions. The
Enemy now have a formidable force in the Country and are only
waiting the Season to be a little more advanced, to begin their
Operations; and I am persuaded, they indulge a pleasing hope of
effecting some Capital Stroke, before we have an Army to oppose
'em, it behoves every nerve to be strained to baffle their views,
and I flatter myself it might be accomplished, if our Troops can
be collected, 'ere they open the Campaign, but of this I am not
without the most painfull apprehension. A few days more, and
the Spring is upon us, and nothing prevents their movements now,
but the badness of the Roads. No material event has occurred of
late worthy of mention and of which you will not have heard be
fore this reaches you. Now and then there has been a skirmish
which in the issue have been generally favourable.
You will be pleased to inform Mrs. Warren that I transmitted
her letter to Mrs. Washington by the earliest Opportunity after it
came to hand, and requesting a tender of my respects to her, I
have the Honor to be with great esteem, Sir, Your most Obedt
Servant,
Go. WASHINGTON
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, March 21, 1777
DEAR SIR, — It is not easy to penetrate the Designs of the En
emy. What Object they have in View cannot certainly be de
termined. Philadelphia most probably, and Albany. They have
near Ten Thousand Men in the Jersies, at Brunswick, Amboy,
300 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Bordentown and Piscataqua; 1 the two last Posts are very near
their main Body.
I think, but may be mistaken, that they will not hazard an
Attempt upon this City or Albany, before they receive a Rein
forcement. If they do, they must evacuate New Jersey, entirely,
because they have not Men enough to leave sufficient Garrisons
in Brunswick and Amboy, and march to Philadelphia, or to
Albany with the Remainder.
It is the Opinion of our General Officers, however, that they
will march, within a very few days from South Amboy, through
the Pines towards the Delaware. They are building Boats in N.
York which may serve either for the Delaware, or Hudsons River,
or indeed they may serve to draw their Army off, from Brunswick,
by Rarriton River, Brunswick being about twelve Miles from
the Sound between N. Jersey and Staten Island.
What Reinforcements 'they will be able to obtain is uncertain.
Is it not more probable that they will bring their Army round by
Water, from Canada, and join General Howe, than that they will
come over the Lakes? From England and Ireland, they can de
rive no great Reinforcement; it is not known how many they can
obtain from Germany. The Russian Auxiliaries are uncertain,
but if they come they will certainly bring a French War with
them. But in all Events I think We need not fear any consider
able Reinforcement from Europe before Midsummer. The British
Troops here, are not more sickly than usual: But the Hessians are
sickly with Pleurisies and other Fevers.
It is certain that if they should march to Philadelphia, and gain
Possession of it, they have not Men enough to maintain a Line of
Posts, by which a Communication can be kept open by Land, with
New York. They must therefore evacuate New Jersey, which
would leave their miserable Friends in that State in absolute
Despair, and the Whiggs, already exasperated to a great degree,
would assume new Vigour. Troops in the mean Time will be com
ing into N. Jersey from the Eastern States and into Pensilvania
from the Southern; and the Militia of Philadelphia and Pensil
vania will not be idle. So that they must expect to be cooped up in
I Piscataway, New Jersey.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 301
the City and there perhaps destroyed, before a Reinforcement
shall arrive. Besides this, they will be at such a Distance from
New York and long Island that they may be under Apprehensions
for those Places. Another Thing, I think they will not choose to
divide their Fleet so much. They will not attempt Philadelphia,
without a Force by Water, as well as by Land. They must keep a
large Number of their Ships at New York, to protect that and the
neighboring Islands, and many are at Newport. So that they can
not Spare so many Ships as will be necessary to come up the River
Delaware.
These Reasons persuade me to differ from the Opinion of our
General Officers, and to believe that no Attempt will be made
upon Philadelphia, before a Reinforcement comes. I wish I may
not be deceived, as this City by her central situation, Wealth,
Artificers and several other Qualities, is of much Importance to
us. But if they get it, they will not find so much Advantage from
it, as they expect. It will cost them most or all of their Force to
keep it, which will make it a Security to other Places. I am my
Friend, Yours, etc.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO MERCY WARREN
BOSTON, March 21, 1777
MY DEAR MERCY, — I wrote you Yesterday by Major Wads-
worth, which I hope will reach you this day. Since which the
Brigt. Independence has Arrived here. I met Cotton in the State
House yesterday who seems to have pretty well recovered of his
wound. One Mr. Wentworth came to town from Portsmouth also
since I wrote, He is gone to Congress with Letters. From him is
obtained a general Invoice of the Ship's Cargo, Copy of which I
enclose you.1 We also learn that with the 5<D-Gun Ship Bound
here are comeing 2 frigates of 30 odd Guns each and a number of
small vessels all loaded. Doctor Franklin was reed in France with
I This was the cargo of the Mercury of Nantes, a ship of 3 17 tons, commanded by Cap
tain John Herand, as is shown by the Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 21 1. She
had been dispatched by Beaumarchais. Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Revolu
tion, ii. 276.
302 Warren-Adams Letters [1777
every demonstration of Joy, with ringing of Bells, Bonfires, Illu
minations, &c. and at Court like an Embassador, insomuch that
Lord Stormont declared that he could not stay at Court under
such Circumstances, and so retired. I have heard that he brings
an account that the french Court have declared to the English
Court that they consider America as an Independent State and
therefore that they have, with the Consent of the Americans as
good a right to trade there as any Nation, and that they shall
Consider any interruption given by the English as a declaration of
War. However that may be, which I am not able to ascertain, it
is certain they have remonstrated against foreign troops comeing
here. Dr. F. is in the Cabinet with the King almost every day,
and I think we have a tolerable Earnest of his success. The Tories,
poor Unhappy Creatures, had just fabricated and put into Circula
tion a Story that the Doctor was frowned on at the french Court
and would be glad to get away. This is all the news I can give you
at this time. No Letter from you yet. I hope for one before Night.
If I could hear you was well and in good spirits I should be happy.
I am better myself. Do attend to your Health, that we may
have a Chance of Enjoying some of the pleasing prospects before
us. Give love to my Boys and accept a large Share to yourself
from your Afft Husband,
J. WARREN
If you have any wheat ground do let the Brann be saved for
the Bacon.
SHIPS CARGO ARRIVED AT PORTSMOUTH ON CONTINENTAL ACCOUNT
364 Cases of Arms or? 1 1.987 Fire Arms
1000 barrels powder
5 Bales Cloath
24 Ditto Coarse Woollens
8 Do Woolen Coverlids
10 Do Woolen Caps and Stockins
1 Do Small Cloaths
5 Do handkfs, th[rea]d and cotton
2 Do printed Linnens
1 Do Thread
2 Cases Shoes
5 Boxes Buttons and Buckles and fig[ure]d Lawns Needles, silk, Necloaths etc.
I looo flints.
'777] Warren- Adams Letters 303
34 sail had left and were leaving France for America with sup
plies.
A Brigadier Genl.1 and a Conductor of Artillery came in this
Vessel, were reed, with Ceremony at Portsmouth and are Expected
here in a day or two.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, March 23d, 1777.
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote you last from Plymouth about three
weeks ago after which I was detained at home longer than I ex
pected and did not get here till last Tuesday. I understand that
letter and one wrote at the same time to Mrs. Adarns went by the
Post. As I wrote with some freedom I should be glad to hear of
the receipt of it. Since I have been here I have had the pleasure of
yours of the I7th Feb'y, and am glad to find the New Governments
in the Southern States so well established and things going so
agreably to your mind.
Your reflections on the changes in Congress are very natural.
I have the same feelings. I love to see the same faces, and lament
the loss of my old acquaintance and connections; but changes and
vicissitudes we must expect in the state we are now in, and per
haps it is in many instances best, if not all it should be so, and in
political bodies more especially.
The New Army has been raised very slowly, and it is probable
many advantages must be lost by it, but I hope we shall compleat
it at last. If our Assembly could be kept from any new measures
I believe we should soon get ours; but they have an unaccountable
itch to be meddling everyday, and by that means keep the minds
of the people always afloat, make them mercenary, and uncertain
when to engage if inclined. We have, however, under all the dis
advantages ariseing from the instability of our own conduct got
as near as I can collect about 70x30 Non-Commissioned Officers
and privates, and they are now inlisting fast. The idea of a levy
on the several Towns, which we have I think injudiciously and
without any necessity held up, has occasioned an immense expence
i Prudhomme de Borre.
304 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
to individuals in addition to the publick bounty. We have lately
voted the same bounty to a Battalion of the Train as we gave be
fore,1 and are now sollicited to do the same for three new Battal
ions. I suppose we must comply and comfort ourselves with the
hopes that it is but for once. We have had no news for some time
till the arrival of a French Ship at Portsmouth, with a valuable
cargo and agreable intelligence which you will have more perfectly
than I can give you, gratified for a moment our curiosity, raised
our spirits and gave us a subject of conversation. I shall therefore
only congratulate you on this occasion, and inform you that we
have three or four vessels out to furnish the other Ships expected
here with pilots, and orders are given to receive them with cere
mony, salutes, etc. No attempt has yet been made upon Rhode
Island, which was expected and preparations made for it long ago,
and now we are not in a condition for it; for tho British Troops
are many of them gone, not more than 2500 remaining. Ours are
reduced in a greater proportion. In short there are but about 500
men from this State in addition to the Troops of their own State.
Applications are made to us fo'r a reinforcement, and a Committee
are now considering in what way it shall be done. Our sea coasts
and perticularly this harbour is also in a defenceless state and must
be provided for. All these things are difficulties that interfere with
compleating our quota, and embarrass us much. New Hampshire
have got their part of the Army some time ago, but Connecticut
are more behind hand than we are.
General Ward resigned his Command last Thursday to Heath.
What he is designed to command I know not. I neither see or hear
of any men. About three hundred men only are here, besides
Craft's Regiment, and their time expires in about ten days.
But no one thing gives me more uneasiness than the conduct of
your Fleet. The Hancock, Boston, Alfred and Cabot are all yet in
port. It is said the Hancock is ready to sail and was to have gone
yesterday, but remains here yet. I fear the consequences of their
going out single. But McNeil and Manly it is said like the Jews
and Samaritans will have no connections or intercourse; they will
not sail together. I believe McNeil is near ready for the sea. I am
I Resolves of the Mass. General Assembly, March n, 1777.
1777] JVarren- Adams Letters 305
told that he and the Agent, Mr. Gushing, have had a breeze; but
I am not acquainted with the perticulars or how it terminated.
I have still a worse account of the situation of your frigates at
Providence. I don't know the officers, but understand to say no
more of them that they are not agreable to the people and never
can man their ships. You must fall on some new plan for conduct
ing your Naval Affairs at a distance from you, or be content never
to shine in that way. Perhaps to establish a Board in each district
upon an honourable footing, and with extensive powers or some
thing (I know not what) else. If you should have occasion for a
new Commander for one of your Ships I would venture to recom
mend one I think equal to the business, and perhaps to any you
have. Capt. Simeon Samson l who was lately taken in the service
of this State I have a very good opinion of as a Seaman. A man
of judgment, prudence, activity and courage, he behaved like a
Hero in the action, but the force against him was so superiour to
his that he had no chance. He is yet in captivity but his redemp
tion is expected very soon as proper measures are taken for it.
Our measures in General Court are so complicated and various
that it would take a volume to give you an account of them.
The regulating Act 2 has been observed in some places, and dis
regarded in others, and perticularly here, where it is constantly
violated in open daylight, and has yet produced no other conse
quences but bitterness and wrath between the Town and Coun
try, the last of which is endeavouring to starve the Town in return
for what they consider ill usage from them and have succeeded
so well, that the market here is little superiour to what it was in
the siege. I ever thought this Act impracticable in its nature, and
prophesied that it would end in bringing the Authority of Govern
ment into contempt. My prophesies are likely to be compleated.
1 Simeon Samson (son of Peleg), of Plymouth, commander of the brigantine Independence.
He was taken by the British ship Rainbow, sent to Halifax, and was listed for exchange,
June, 1777. He received a commission from Massachusetts to command an armed vessel
then under construction, which may have been the Hazard, of which he was in command
in August of that year. The following June he resigned on account of ill health, but appears
to have sailed the Mars and Mercury. In the latter he carried Elkanah Watson to France
in 1779. The Hazard, of 16 guns, was built by John Peck, of Plymouth, and was burned
in the Penobscot expedition of 1779. Deborah Sampson was a cousin. Mass. Prov. Laws,
v. 1317.
2 Mass. Prov. Laws, v. 583.
306 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Now I mention Government I will tell you that one day this week
is assigned to determine in what way a new one shall be formed.
I fear the determination will be in favour of a Convention.
This is designed to go by Major Ward,1 who was Aid de Campe
to the General of that name, by whom also I shall forward a packet
received this day from your good lady. This gentleman I suppose
is known to you; if not I beg leave to recommend him to your no
tice. He has had the misfortune to fall into a very inactive depart
ment, and now to be wholly excluded from any appointment in the
Army. I take him however to be a sensible, worthy man, and one
very capable of doing publick service in some way or other. I be
lieve it is time to conclude this long scroll. I am therefore, with
wishes for your happiness, your Friend, etc. ^Q s{gnaiure^
My regards to Mr. Adams and Gerry. I shall write to one or
both of them by this opportunity, if I can.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, March 24, 1777
DEAR SIR, — This Morning a Vessell has arrived in this City
with 6800 stand of excellent Arms and 1 500 Gun Locks, belonging
to Congress, and 1 500 more private Property. These last We have
ordered to be bought.
This News you may depend on. The Letters were brought into
Congress, in the Midst of a Debate concerning a Resolution to
impower the General to procure Arms wherever he could find them.2
Thus it is. On how many Occasions when We have been unable
to^see any Way to help ourselves has Providence sent Us an unex
pected Relief! Thus it has been, and thus it will be. I am, etc.,
JOHN ADAMS
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, March 26, 1777
There are two ingenious Artificers here who have made a beauti-
full Field Piece of Bar Iron. The Barrs were not bound together
I Joseph Ward. 2 Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 197.
i?77] Warren- Adams Letters 307
with Hoops, like that which was made in Boston: But welderd
together and afterwards bored out. It is very light, it is a Three
Pounder and weighs no more than two hundred and twenty four
Pounds, it has been tried every Way, and has stood the fullest
Proof. It has been discharged Twenty times and upon discharging
it three Times successively as fast as it could be loaded and fired,
with several Ounces of Powder more than the usual Quantity, it
was observed not to be heated so much as other Guns of the same
calliber commonly are where of Brass or cast Iron.
It is so light, that it may be transported about with the Utmost
Ease, by a few soldiers alone without Horses, and is therefore
admirably adapted for a Regimental Field Piece. The Generals
Gates, Green and Mifflin, have examined it, and admire it. We
are about contracting for a Number of them. They are cheaper
than Brass. They carry a Ball as far and as direct. The only
objection is that they rebound too much. But this Inconvenience
is easily remedied by strengthening the Carriage. The names of
the Smiths who made it are Wheeler and Wiley.1
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, March 31, 1777
DEAR SIR, — We have this day received Letters from Europe,
of an interesting Nature.2 We are under Injunctions of Silence
concerning one very important Point: and indeed I don't know
how far I am at Liberty concerning some others: but thus much I
may venture to communicate: That We have an offer of three
Millions of Livres in Specie, without Interest, and to be paid when
We shall be settled in Peace and Independence; that all Europe
wish Us well, excepting only Portugal and Russia; that all the
Ports of France and Spain and Italy and all the Ports in the Medi
terranean, excepting Portugal, are open to our Privateers and
Merchant Ships. That there is no danger of our wanting Arms or
1 Samuel Wheeler was the inventor of the gun. A 3-pounder cost £60. los. or
161 30/90 dollars.
2 Probably among these letters was that from the American Commissioners in Paris,
January 17, 1777, printed inWharton, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Revolution, n. 248.
308 Warren-Adams Letters [1777
Ammunition for the future — between six and seven hundred
Barrells of Powder having arrived in Maryland, and indeed, We
had plenty of Powder before. In short, my Friend, altho We have
many grievous Things to bear, and shall have more; yet there is
nothing wanting but Patience. Patience and Perseverance, will
carry Us through this mighty Enterprize — an Enterprize that
is and will be an Astonishment to vulgar Minds all over the
World, in this and in future Generations. An Enterprize however,
which, Faithfullness to our Ancestors who have sett Us Examples
of Resistance to Tyranny, Faithfullness to the present and future
Generations, whose Freedom depend upon it laid us under every
moral and religious obligation to undertake. Our Accounts from
Europe are that great Preparations are making for War and that
every Thing tends to that Object, but when or where, or how Hos
tilities will commence is yet unknown. France and Spain, will act
in concert and with perfect Amity, neither will take any Step
without the other.
The American Ministers abroad, advise Us to exert ourselves
in every Respect, as if We were to receive no Assistance from
abroad. This is certainly good Advice and if We have Wisdom
enough to follow it, a Division by a War in Europe will be a more
effectual Relief to us. I am, etc.
[No signature^
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, April i, 1777
Having an Opportunity by so carefull an Hand as Captain
Wentworth of Portsmouth, I have ventured to inclose you a copy
of a Letter which appears to me to be of Consequence.1 You will
make use of it with Caution, among such Friends only as can be
trusted to make a discreet Use of it.
Inclosed is also a state of the Stocks in Amsterdam on the
seventh and twelfth of November, by which you will see that the
British Funds were falling very fast notwithstanding the News
I This is the letter referred to in the note on p. 307.
i?77] W^arren- Adams Letters 309
from New York and the precipitate Efforts in England to equip
a Fleet of Observation.
The Dutch dont appear so inimical to Us, or so indifferent to
our Fate as We apprehended they would be. Letters from that
Quarter, are fully of Opinion that the Opportunity for the House
of Bourbon is too fair and inviting to be let slip.
[No signature.}
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, April 3d, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving your
favours of the I5th and i8th of March. There are few things I
wish for more than a war between Britain and France, etc. I am
therefore greatly pleased with the accounts you have of the prob
ability of it. Such has been the situation of matters for some time
that I could not see how it could be avoided, and yet my impa
tience makes me uneasy at the delay, least something might inter
vene to prevent it. I have a right to pray for it as an event that
may serve my Country, and the chastisement of Britain for their
own good, or their destruction for the good of Mankind perhaps
are not improper subjects of prayer.
I am glad you have raised your interest to six per Ct.1 and am
told that it has had a favourable influence here. Your Loan Office
is successful. How much has been received I can't inform you.
Your tickets that were sent here were all nearly sold in a few days,
and perhaps double the number would have sold. Whether patriot
ism or the hopes of Gain has occasioned this rapid sale of 12. or
15.000 tickets in so short a time is a question that deserves the
attention of the politician; but either of them will answer the
present purpose.
I hope the late inconvenience you have seen in voteing by
States will stimulate you to form your Constitution.2 That seems
to be a matter as long in agitation with you as with us, and if
something dont accelerate your motions we shall get the start of
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, VH. 158.
2 That is, the Articles of Confederation.
310 Wazren- Adams Letters [1777
you. We have agreed, I mean the House, upon a recommen
dation to the people at their next election to choose their Repre
sentatives for that among other purposes. The form they shall
agree on however to be subject to the approbation of their
Constituents.1
We have no news; are straining our nerves to forward our men,
but our motions are slow. The enemy continue at Rhode Island,
and have lately been reinforced from whence we know not. They
now consist of about 4000. We have not been so attentive of late
to the defence of that State as I think we ought to be; but we have
now a Committee, and I hope if the enemy make no attempt on
Providence, etc., in a few days, they will be in a posture of defence.
The enemy are fortifying the Island, which looks as if they intended
to continue there. There seems to be a prospect of a small breeze
between the present College Treasurer 2 and some of his friends,
as I am informed he refuses to resign, and has wrote some letters
threatening vengeance if left out. The Overseers have however
recommended to the Corporation to choose a new one, and I sup
pose they intend it.3 I wrote Mr. Adams yesterday about Mrs.
Temple's affairs. I wish you would attend to it if any thing can
be done. I am much hurried this morning and must conclude and
am, as usual, your Sincere Friend, etc.
[No signature.]
[Memorandum,] Ans. Ap. 27.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, April 6, 1777
DEAR SIR, --Yours of 23d March was handed to me this
Evening by Major Ward. Your Letter from Plymouth by the
Post I duly reed, and immediately wrote an Answer to it; but upon
reviewing it afterwards I found so many bold Truths in it that I
concluded not to send it, less Peradventure it should get into Hugh
Gaine's Gazette; and I thought it a Pitty that so many Sacred
1 Resolves of the Mass. General Assembly, May 5, 1777.
2 John Hancock. The story is told in Quincy, History of Harvard University, n. 182.
3 Ebenezer Storer was chosen in his place.
Warren- Adams Letters 3 1 1
Truths should appear in Company with so many infamous Lyes
as that Paper ushers into the World whenever it appears.
I am much obliged to you for your Sentiments concerning the
Navy. A Board I believe will be established at Boston, and a
Commissioner in each considerable Port in New England. Com
plaints are frequently brought here from Boston and from Provi
dence concerning the Continental Agents and other Officers. I
am sorry for this, but cannot help it. At Providence I fear, by
what I have lately heard, there has been a System of Selfishness,
and at Boston of Incapacity. I had the Honour of belonging to the
first Naval Committee, which set all our maritime Affairs agoing; 1
and they did it with a Vigour, Assiduity and Dispatch, which
precluded all Censure and Complaint: But I went home last
December was twelve Month, and Advantage was taken of that
Opportunity, one or two other Members being absent at the same
Time — Coll. Lee went home, and Gadsden and Langdon and
Deane was left out — to choose a new Committee.2 Since which
there has been nothing but Languor, Censure and Complaint.
Upon my Return they did me the Honour to put me upon the
Board of War, which takes up my whole Time, every Morning
and Evening, and renders it totally impossible for me to look into
the marine Department, which if I had Leisure to do, ignorant as
I am of every Rope in the Ship, I would perish if I did not put
that Department in a respectable order. There is nothing wanting
but some one Person whose Vigour, Punctuality, and Constancy,
should draw the Committee together every Morning and Evening,
direct their Attention to the Object, and keep it fixed there.
There are Gentlemen enough of the Committee who understand
the Business, and the Board of Assistants are pretty well qualified
and every Man upon the Continent who knows any Thing of the
Subject might easily be induced to contribute the Assistance of
his Knowledge at least by Letter. The Fracas between [Manley]
and McNeal had reached this Place before your Letter, hope it
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, in. 277 n.
2 Benjamin Harrison was elected in place of Lee, Edward Rutledge in place of Gadsden,
and Samuel Huntington in place of Deane. Langdon was never on the Marine Committee,
and Adams probably intended to mention Stephen Crane, whose place was taken by
Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant. The new committee was elected March 6, 1776.
312 IVarren- Adams Letters [1777
will do good. Am glad to hear that our Quota is likely to be raised
at any Rate. Send them along and let Us beat the Scoundrels to
Attorns,, as I am Sure we can and shall. I am, etc.
[No signature.]
This Letter, so full of myself and so abusive to others, is intended
barely to exculpate myself. I cannot bear any share of the Blame
of the failures in the marine Department.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, April 6, 1777
MY FRIEND, — The Business of the naval and marine Depart
ment will I hope be soon put in a better Train than it has been.
A Board of Assistants has been appointed here consisting of
three Gentlemen, not Members of Congress, whose whole Time
is devoted to the Service, Mr. Hopkinson, Coll. Nixon and
Mr. John Wharton are the Men.1 The first is a Gentleman of
Letters, the second an able Merchant, the third an eminent
shipwright.
There is a Talk of appointing a similar Board at Boston 2 and a
Commissioner at every considerable Port in N. England. Who
would be proper Persons for those Places? They should be well
acquainted with Navigation. They should be well informed in
Trade. They should be Men of Character and Credit.
The Marine Committee have lately reed. Letters from Captns
Thompson, McNeal 3 and several others, pointing out Defects,
Abuses and Mismanagements, and proposing Plans of Improve
ment, Redress and Reformation. These will do good. This is the
Way to have things go right; for Officers to correspond constantly
with Congress and communicate their Sentiments freely.
McNeal, I suppose, by his Letter, before this, has sailed 4 and
I hope your Embargo is off, before now, that the Privateers may
have fair Play. Indeed I am sorry it was ever laid. I am against
1 Journals of the Continental Congress, vi. 929 — November 6, 1776.
2 It was established April 19, 1777, and the commissioners were James Warren William
Vernon, of Providence, and John Deshon, of New London.
3 Thomas Thompson and Hector McNeil. 4 He commanded the Boston.
Warren- Adams Letters 313
all Shackles upon Trade. Let the Spirit of the People have its own
Way, and it will do something. I doubt much whether you have
got an hundred Soldiers the more for your Embargo, and perhaps
you have missed Opportunities of taking many Prizes and several
Hundreds of Seamen.
South Carolina seems to display a Spirit of Enterprize in Trade
superior to any other State. They have Salt at half a Dollar a
Bushell and dry Goods in great Plenty, tho dear. Many french
Vessells have arrived there, some Bermudians, and some of their
own. They have exported their Crop of Indigo and a great deal of
Rice. They have some Privateers and have made several Prizes.
Tobacco too begins to be exported in large Quantities from Mary
land, Virginia and North Carolina. Vessells sell at very high Prices
in all these States. In short in one more Year I fancy Trade will
be brisk in every Part of the Continent, except with Us, the De
struction of whose Fishery has deprived Us of our Staple and left
Us nothing to export. We must build Ships and cutt Masts and
take Fish with our Privateers, etc. I am, etc.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
April 1 6, 1777
An unfortunate Vessell has arrived from France, the brave
Fellow who commanded her is blown to Pieces in her. A French
Nobleman who came in her got on Shore and brought the Letters.
We have Letters from our Commissioners of the Sixth of Feby.,
much in the same Strain with the former of Jany. 17, tho not
quite so encouraging.1 They say there is an universal Apprehen
sion that We shall submit. They had not heard of the Turn of
Affairs at Trenton. A Letter from London says so many Bank
ruptcies were never known. Two W[est] I[ndia] Houses have
failed for one Million two hundred Thousands Pounds. " Stand
firm, say our Friends in England, and nothing can hurt you."
The British Ministry are very angry with France for the Assist
ance she gives Us and threatens to declare War. A Quarrell be-
I Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence oj the Revolution, n. 261.
314 IVarren- Adams Letters [1777
tween the Ministry and the Court of Spain about the Musketo
Shore — a fresh Quarrell between Turks and Russians.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILA., April 17, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I should before this time have acknowledged
your Favors of the 2d and 24th of Feb., had I not constantly been
in the Situation which you represent to be yours in your last of
the 2d of April. " Something or other has always taken Place to
call me off." We have for some time past been threatened with an
Invasion by Sea, and the last Accounts receivd from the Capes
say, there are nine of the Enemies Ships of War within the River.
I inclose this day's paper which gives an account of the Misfor
tune of the Ship Morris and other Intelligence.
By the last Letters from France dated in February we are in
formed that a War is inevitable and our Affairs there still wear a
favorable Aspect. My worthy Friend Dr. L[ee] who you have
heard is got to Paris writes to me in these Words. "The Politicks
in Europe depend on too many Whims and Refinements for us to
hazard the downright Defence of every thing dear to us upon
them. It is well to cultivate Europe but not to depend upon it."
He speaks my Sentiments, and, I believe, yours. I have been
always of Opinion, that we must depend upon our own Efforts
under God for the Establishment of our Liberties. When it suits
the interest of foreign Powers they will aid us substantially. That
some of them will find it their Interest to aid us I can hardly doubt
but there seems not to be Virtue enough left in the World from
generous and disinterested Motives to interpose in Support of the
Common Rights of Mankind. We are told that fresh disputes have
arisen between Russia and the Turks and a Quarrel is likely to
ensue. France and Spain are preparing mighty Fleets to consist
of thirty Sail of the Line each and to be ready for the Sea the
first of March. The Merchants of Britain in a Memorial laid be
fore Lord Sandwich reckon their Losses by the Captures our Pri
vateers have made in their West India Trade to be £1,800,000.
JVarren- Adams Letters 315
Insurance had arisen to 28 pr. ct. and Bankruptcys had taken
place. There is no kind of Relaxation here, says a London Corre
spondent, in Warlike Preparations, and yet the Ministry have so
contrivd it that but few People believe there is any Danger of War.
I am much puzzled, says he, about the real Intention in respect of
these great and hasty Armaments; they are certainly too expen
sive to be mere scarecrows, and improbable as on one account it
seems, there is Reason to believe they intend when their present
Loan is compleated either to attack France, or at least to hold
very high Language to her. Certain it is, that Lord Weymouth
has of late seriously and warmly urgd an immediate Declaration
of War with France, and tho' such Declaration has not been made
it is perhaps only suspended. With regard to America we are in-
formd that Transports were getting ready to bring out the addi
tional British and Hessian Troops and it was intended they should
all sail by the beginning of March. The Campaign is to be opend
unusually early and the Operations directed wholly and from all
sides against New England, that by early and vigorous Exertions
they may crush the Northern Colonies.
1 think I have given this to you and my other Friends as my
opinion in my Letters the last Winter. If they can subdue those
stubborn States, they flatter themselves the rest will submit. It
is necessary that New England should sustain her Character and
Firmness. Their Intention is to extirpate the People there and
make Slaves of the rest of America. I wish the Nest of Hornets on
Rhode Island had been before now destroyd. I expected it would
have been done. I have been informd of the Reason why it was
not done. The Congress have now recommended it to the States
of Massachusetts] B[ay], Connecticut] and R[hode] I[sland], to
call forth their Militia for that Purpose and have directed Genl.
Washington to send a suitable Officer to take the Command.1 I
hope it will now be done. It is certainly wise to conquer our Ene
mies in Detail before their Reinforcements can arrive. I fear N.E.
will be chargd with the Loss of her former military Pride if it is not
done. I have been sanguine in urging it here and have almost
pawnd my Reputation on the Success of the Undertaking as well
I Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 272.
316 W^arren- Adams Letters [1777
as the Valor of my Countrymen. I wish for more of an enterpriz-
ing Spirit and shall feel myself happy in the Revival of such a Spirit
in New England.
Capt. Collins who will deliver this Letter is now ready to set
off and waits. Adieu, my Friend. I will speak to Genl. Mifflin
again who is now here about Mr. Temple's affair. I am glad to
hear of the brisk Sale of Lottery Ticketts in Boston and that the
Loan office is successfull. I hope Boston will be made as strong
as Gibraltar. Our 15 Battalions must be completed. I am pleasd
with the Measures you are taking with the Tories. Don't let the
Execution of the good Law be abated an Iota in a single Instance.
If they take the Oath you must nevertheless keep a watchful Eye
over them. They are a cursed Generation. We are plagued with
them here beyond bearing.
[No signature.] l
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, April 23d, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I have been very unwell and absent for a fort
night. I returned here yesterday. While I was at home I had the
great pleasure of receiving several of your favours, perticularly
those of March 31, April ist and 3d, with the inclosures, and
since my return yours by Capt. Arnold of the 6th Instant. I think
myself greatly obliged to you for the entertainment as well as
intelligence and information derived from them, as these have all
come safe I regret the loss of that that you say contained the bold
truths.
I am pleased to see our affairs in so good a way. I think a war in
Europe must soon take place. It is impossible that under all cir
cumstances it should even by the meanness of Britain be prevented,
and if our Army is obtained, with the powder and arms sent us by
the kindness of Providence, I believe we shall be ready and able
to fight Britain with or without a war in Europe, especially if
their funds begin to fall. Almost every thing is done to fill up the
i Letters from John Adams to Warren, April 27 and 29, 1777, are in Works of John
Adams, ix. 462, 464.
Warren- Adams Letters 317
Army, and since the arrival of the arms here they are all on the
march. On Sunday last arrived here a french ship loaded with
goods, on account of private adventurers. Her cargo is very valu
able and consists of some articles much wanted. Arms she has a
few, and has 5000 blankets. She is armed with [ ] guns, has a
Commission to make reprisals if disturbed, and the super cargo is
ready to take Continental Bills. I begin to be very easy about
their credit, and to conceive they will be as valuable as silver.
We had last Sunday a prize brought into Plymouth. She was
bound to Antigua with a load of beef and butter, and last evening
I heard of the arrival of another at Cape Ann, with 2000 bbs. beef
and pork. I suppose she was bound to York. The amazing damage
we should have done them, as well as the advantages derived to
ourselves, make me execrate the policy of stopping our privateers.
I always opposed it. We have now got a resolve passed to let them
loose on conditions they will cruise with Manly under his com
mand twenty-five days.1 Perhaps we shall make a fleet of ten or
twelve sail of them soon and some of them 20 Gun Ships. We hope
by this to sweep one of their fleets, and to do great execution. We
have for encouragement engaged an indemnification for losses
which prizes are not sufficient for. I can easily conceive we might
have had a fine fleet of our own by this time. Our frigates in con
cert might have taken several of theirs, that have for the most part
cruised single. Your ships are however in harbour here, but it is
said have consented to sail together. Last evening the Board of
War received an express from Cape Ann, that the Milford and a
tender were yesterday nigh there and took a Schooner. They are
endeavouring to get out Manly and McNeal to take her.2
We are sending in a reinforcement of 2000 men to Rhode Island
a draft from the Militia for two months.3 What the state of the
enemy is there I am not able to say. I believe their land force is
inconsiderable. I was told yesterday not more than 1400. I wish
I Resolves of the Mass. General Assembly, April 20, 1777. 2 /£., April 24, 1777.
3 "Tuesday last, the Corps of Independents, commanded by HENRY JACKSON, Esq.,
marched off from this Town for Providence, in order to assist our Brethren in that Place,
against all the Encroachments of the worst of Tyrants — the Hirelings of the British
King; should they attempt a Landing on that Shore of FREEDOM." Boston Gazette, April
21, 1777.
318 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
your ships at Providence were out. there is no difficulty in effect
ing it, and I wish the troops on the Island whether 1400 or 4000
were driven of. I think there is no difficulty in effecting that.
The Honour of New England is concerned in this matter and men
enough for such an enterprize might be had at once. They must,
however, be Militia, and the estimation of them runs very low with
our Military Gentry who have forgot from whence they came, and
of what materials they are now some of them half formed. This is
to go by Capt. Ayres,1 who informed me yesterday of his design to
set out this morning. I dont know his business but I suppose to
apply for some appointment in the Navy. I have not much ac
quaintance with him. He seems to be an active smart man, has
been long at sea, and as he has commanded one of your Schooners
with reputation, I could wish he might succeed. I am Yours, etc.
[No signature.]
I have this moment an account of an arrival at Portsmouth of
great consequence. The perticulars of the cargo as they come to us
are as below. There came in her a Coll. and a number of officers
of the Train to the number of twenty-four.2
58 Brass Cannon and Carriages.
Tents for 10,000 men.
Cloathing for 12,000 men.
Stands of Arms 5.700.
Powder about 10 Tons.
Great Numbers Blankets.
Lead and Ball, uncertain how much.
3 Mo. passage arrived last Sunday.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, April 27th, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — Since I wrote you by the post on last Thurs
day, nothing very material has taken place here. Two Frigates
have for some time been infecting our coasts — a species of insult
that has ever gauled me, and more especially since we had Ships
sufficient either to take or drive them off, lying in our harbours for
1 John Ayres, commander of the Continental vessel, the Lynch.
2 Du Coudray and his party. Lists are in Journals of the Continental Congress, vin. 606,
Warren- Adams Letters 319
months sufficient to build and equip a large fleet. The ships now
on the coast have taken several vessels mostly small ones. One of
them they gave their prisoners and sent them on shore with a
message and challenge to Manly and McNeil and all the armed
vessels in this harbour. This has roused the indignation of the
officers and tarrs, united their wishes with ours, and given us an
opportunity which many of us thought should not be neglected.
We accordingly appointed a Committee J to confer with your
Captain and Agents, and to treat and contract with the owners
and commanders of private vessels to go to sea and meet the chal
lengers. We have by lending money toManley and McNeil satis
fied them. We have contracted for two or three 2O-Gun Ships,
and six or seven smaller ones, to be ready to sail on the first day of
May and to continue with, and be under the command of Manly
for twenty-five days, we insuring the owners against loss and dam
ages, giveing the men a month's pay, and puting them on your
Establishment in case they loose life or limbs. With these a num
ber of others will go, and agree to continue under the Commo
dore's command for the same time for the sake of getting out. If
we don't meet the ships we shall get the Continental Ships, and the
privateers to sea, instead of detaining them here by an Embargo
against all good policy. It will be therefore a great point gained.
I hope Congress will approve the measure, and refund the ex-
pences.
I have been several times in company with the Colonel 2 who
came into Portsmouth in the ship lately arrived there, and am
much pleased with him. He is sensible and polite, has a fine
appearance, and every air and manner of a Soldier; he is an Irish
man brought up in France from his youth, and talks pretty good
English. He is modest, but if I have any skill in physiognomy will
fight. He says he is determine[d] to deserve any thing you give
him, will not serve under the Baron de Bore who arrived in the
first ship, had rather be a drummer under an American officer.
I hope the Court will rise this week and give me a little respite
1 Warren, Dalton, Cooper and Captain Gardner, from the House, and Thomas Gushing,
Moses Gill and Benjamin Austin from the Council. Resolves of the Mass. General Assembly,
April 25, 1777.
2 Thomas Conway (1733-1800?).
320 W^arren- Adams Letters
and time to study Tull; but after all our study, I don't know but
Mrs. Adams' native genius will excel us all in husbandry. She was
much engaged when I came along, and the farm at Braintree ap
peared to be under excellent management. I tryed to persuade her
to make a visit to her friend Mrs. Warren, but she can't leave home
this Busy Season.
I could wish the Agents you may send here to purchase cloath-
ing or other necessaries for the Army may be instructed not to
violate our Laws, assume too great a superiority, or interfere with
our Board of War, who are really agents for you without commis
sions or pay, and do business for you in the best manner. This
wish is suggested to me by an altercation now subsisting between
some of them and the Board, who shall purchase the cargo of the
French-man lately arrived here, tho the Board of War had engaged
what they chose to take and have offered the Agents every article
they may want. Such things may give the French an ill opinion
of us. My regards to all Friends. I am as usual yours, etc.
[No signature.]
I thank you for your two letters of the 6th of April which came
safe to hand. I am glad to hear you have it in contemplation to
put your Naval Affairs on a better footing. I have not the least
difficulty in supposing that they would have made a very different
figure in other hands. The selfishness and incapacity you mention
are well placed, and have injured them much.
Livingston l and Turnbul,2 two young gentlemen, are employed
here by your secret Committee to purchase cloathing etc. they in
form me they are going to return soon, and expect there will be a
new appointment in their room. Would it not be better to appoint
some person here. Mr. Otis 3 on the Committee of Cloathing, last
fall, procured and sent forward great quantities of cloathing for
the Army. If agreable to you I could wish you would mention him
to that Committee. He has by his conduct on that Committee
and the services he did the Army deserved the appointment.
I Abraham Livingston. 2 William Turnbull.
3 bamuel Alleyne Otis (1740-1814), deputy under James Mease, Clothier General.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 321
I intended this for a short letter, but I always fill the paper when
I write to you. I want to see some resentment shown to the Portu-
guees. It wont perhaps do to declare war against them or to make
captures of their Ships, for they do only what they cant help; but
an interdiction of commerce with them made in the stile of the
high and mighty States of America might, as Carmichael 1 hints,
have an happy effect.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
May 2, 1777
DEAR SIR, — Dr. Brownson 2 a Delegate from Georgia in Con
gress and a worthy spirited sensible Man, a Native of Connecticutt
will deliver you this. He will be able to tell you much News, be
cause he intends a circuitous Journey by Albany, and the New
Hampshire Grants, who have lately made themselves a State, to
Boston. The British Daemons have rec'd a little Chastisement in
Connecticutt.
J. ADAMS
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, April [May,] 3, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — - Yours of April 3d I reed. I must confess, that
I am at a Loss to determine whether it is good Policy in Us to wish
for a War between France and Britain, unless We could be sure
that no other Powers would engage in it: But if France engages
Spain will, and then all Europe will arrange themselves on one
side and the other and what Consequences to Us might be involved
in it I don't know. If We could have a free Trade with Europe I
should rather run the Risque of fighting it out with George and
his present Allies, provided he should get no other. I don't love
to be intangled in the Quarrels of Europe. I don't wish to be under
1 William Carmichael ( -i?95). His suggestion was made in a letter from Amster
dam to the Committee of Foreign Correspondence, November 2, 1776. Wharton, Diplo
matic Correspondence of the Revolution, n. 189.
2 Nathan Brownson (1743-1796). See Dexter, Yale Biographies, n. 690.
322 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Obligations to any of them, and I am very unwilling they should
rob Us of the Glory of vindicating our own Liberties.
It is a Cowardly Spirit in our Countrymen, which makes them
pant with so much longing Expectation, after a French War. I
have very often been ashamed to hear so many Whiggs groaning
and Sighing with Despondency and whining out their Fears that
We must be subdued unless France should step in. Are We to be
beholden to France for our Liberties? France has done so much
already that the Honour and Dignity and Reputation of Great
Britain is concerned to resent it, and if she does not, France will
trifle with her forever hereafter. She has reed, our Ambassadors,
protected our Merchant Men, Privateers, Men of War and Prizes,
admitted Us freely to trade, lent Us Money, and supplied Us with
Arms, Ammunition and Warlike Stores of every Kind. This is
notorious all over Europe, and she will do more, presently, if our
dastardly Despondency, in the midst of the finest Prospects im
aginable, does not discourage her. The surest and the only Way
to secure her Arms in this Cause is for Us to exert our own. For
God's sake then don't fail of a single Man of your Quota. Get
them at any Rate, and by any Means rather than not have them.
I am more concerned about our Revenue than the Aid of France.
Pray let the Loan Offices do their Part, that We may not be com
pelled to make Paper Money as plenty and of Course as cheap as
Oak Leaves. There is so much Injustice in carrying on a War with
a depreciating Currency that We can hardly pray with Confidence
for success.
The Confederation has been delayed because the States were
not fully represented. Congress is now full, and We are in the
Midst of it. It will soon be passed.
God prosper your new Constitution. But I am afraid you will
meet the Disapprobation of your Constituents. It is a Pity you
should be obliged to lay it before them; it will divide and distract
them. However, their Will be done; if they suit themselves they
will please me. Your Friend.
[No signature.]
^777] Warren- Adams Letters 323
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, May 5, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — We have no late arrivals, no foreign intelli
gence, the affair of Danbury has wholly engrossed the conversa
tion here for a week past, and we were never able to determine
whether what we heard was true or false, or even that there had
been an expedition there till yesterday, when we were beyond a
doubt ascertained of the loss of the stores there, and the indelible
stigma fixed on the N. England Militia by the Cowardly conduct
of the Connecticut men.1 Had these men never the Lexington and
Bunker Hill spirit, or have they been laughted out of it by our
Continental regulars, and made to believe they can't fight? If
they won't fight what have we to depend on here but Miracles, for
we have nothing else, and here it is said is to be the campaign. My
superiour officer in the Militia 2 you retain at the head of the Su-
preem Legislative; the next to me you have advanced to a more
important station. I am therefore left alone, and find the misfor
tune of being ranked with important folks. The Militia is so de
spised, and I suppose is designed with all its officers to be directed
by Continental Generals, that I intend to embrace the first oppor
tunity to quit it, that shall offer without any imputation. The late
intelligence alone has prevented. We have lately ordered 1,500
Militia from the County of Hampshire to Ticonderoga; one half
of the County of Berkshire are gone to Albany at the desire of
General Gates; two thousand men are ordered and most of them
marched to reinforce the State of Rhode Island. We have voted
the same bounty to the Regiments of Lee, Henley, and Jackson,
before given to the 1 5 Battalions. We have ventured on a draft on
such of our Towns as have not already inlisted a number aequal to
I /7th part of all their Male Inhabitants from sixteen and upwards,
to be made on the I5th of this month, and now must raise some
Regiments for the defence of this Harbour, or leave it defenceless.
If we do all this, if our Board of War deals out the stores they
collect as fast as they come in to the Army, if we strip our beds of
blankets, and our backs of cloaths for them, if we suffer all our
I Bailey, History of Danbury, 60. 2 John Hancock.
324 W'arren- Adams Letters [1777
provisions to be purchased for them, in short, if for the good of the
whole we are contented to be naked, cold, hungry, and defenceless,
will the Southern Gentry give us credit, and call us good fellows?
Or will they say we are selfish and provideing for a Seperate Inter
est, which I have it hinted to me is the case ? Some people employed
here have done more hurt than good.
I suppose the Court will rise tomorrow. You will next hear from
me at Plymouth, where I long to be to set out a few trees, etc.,
to flourish in the age of peace and happiness. Since my last I am
to thank you for yours of the 1 6th April. I have a great curiosity
to know what operation the turn of our affairs last winter will have
in Europe. I yesterday wrote to the General, and gave him a detail
of the situation of things here, and the motives we have acted from.
If he has any confidence in me he will entertain no prejudices
against us.1 If N England is to be the scene of action, are no troops
to be sent here? I am called and must conclude. Please to give
my regards to my Friends, and inform Mr. Adams that his account
is past, and a grant for his services up to August last. Perhaps
he should send an order to receive it, if his Lady has not one. I
am as usual your Sincere Friend, etc.
[No signature.]
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN2
PHILADELPHIA, May 6, 1777
DEAR SIR, — About Ten Days ago I had the Boldness to make
a Motion that a Navy Board should be established at Boston.
Certain Gentlemen looked struck and surprised; however, it
passed. 3 I have moved I believe fifteen Times, that a Nomina
tion should take Place; certain Gentlemen looked cold.
Two or three Days ago, the Nomination came on. Langdon,
Vernon, Deshon, Dalton, Orne, Henley, Smith, Cushing and
Warren, were nominated.
_i _ Washington's reply, May 23, 1777, is in Writings of Washington (Ford), v. 379. The
original letter, written by Hamilton, but signed by Washington, is in the Warren Papers.
_ 2 Although this letter is printed in the Works of John Adams, ix. 464, it is reprinted as
it gives the reasons for appointing Warren to the Navy Board.
3 Journals of the Continental Congress, vn. 281. The resolution was adopted April 19.
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 325
This Day the Choice came on. At last Vernon, Warren, and
Deshon were chosen. The Board are to appoint their own Clerk
who is to have 500 Dollars a year. I hope you will engage in this
Business and conduct it with Spirit. You cannot be Speaker and
do this Duty too I believe.
I think the Town of Boston will be offended. But I could not
help it. This you will not mention. The Salary for the Commis
sioners is 1500 Dollars a Year. You will have the Building and
fitting of all Ships, the appointment of Officers, the Establishment
of Arsenals and Magazines, etc., which will take up your whole
Time. But it will be honourable to be so capitally concerned in
laying a Foundation of a great Navy. The profit to you will be
nothing, But the Honour and the Virtue the greater. I almost
envy you this Employment. I am weary of my own and almost
with my Life. But I ought not to be weary in endeavoring to do well.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, May 8th, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote to you a letter which will accompany
this with a design it should have gone by last Monday's post,
but he gave me the slip. Nothing very material has occured since.
We had yesterday very agreeable accounts of a late Action in the
Jersies. If it proves true, it is a good beginning. Our Fleet is still
in the harbour. We have had easterly winds and thick weather
almost constantly for a fortnight past. They were to sail this day,
if possible, but there is no alteration in the weather. Three Cruis
ers chased a Vessel between the Capes yesterday. The intelligence
from Halifax is that eight sail of their Ships and some small Ves
sels are between that place and this, that the topic of conversation
among the officers is the attack on Boston, and the manner how,
etc. The Court is still setting but will rise to night or tomorrow.
We have voted the Bounty, etc., to two Battalions of Lee and
Jackson, the same as the other fifteen. This makes the Bounty
to be given to eighteen Battalions. We have established or
voted a Regiment of the Train, and two others for the defence of
326 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Boston, the first for three year twenty dollar Bounty, the others
for one year with ten dollars. I won't tell you the present state
of Boston till my next. The long experience of the people here, the
intelligence they have from the Southward of the enmity and con
spiracies of the Tories, and the expectation of an attack here have
wrought them up to such a pitch that a seperation seems neces
sary. We have passed a Bill for that purpose. Each Town are to
meet and in public meeting form a List of such as are Inimical,
and supposed dangerous to choose thirteen of a Committee to Try
them, and if that is the Judgment send them to the Board of War
who are to provide Vessels and transport them Immediately. If
they return they are to be hanged. This Bill is before the Council.
If it passes there and the business is not done, it will not be the
fault of the Court, the people must blame themselves. My regards
to all friends. I am, Yours Assuredly.
[No signature.]
The Post in last evening and no letters from my friends.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, June 5th, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — You will perhaps wonder that you have not
heard from me for so long a time. I have had so little time at home
of late, and found so much to do there, that I did not attend Elec
tion, and returned to this town not before yesterday. On my way
I had the pleasure to find Mrs. Adams and family well. I left
Mrs. Warren to spend this week with her friends at Braintree. I
dare say every hour of it will be improved and enjoyed. While
at home I had the pleasure of your several favours of April 29,
May 2, 3, and 6. I have now the pleasure of informing you that
the draft on the several towns to compleat our quota has succeeded
beyond my expectations, and I hope soon to have our whole num
ber in Camp, some of them however will not be for three years.
When I came to Town it was with a full determination not to act
as Speaker; but I was forced to accept for a few days, so that I have
not had time to make such enquiry into the state of this matter as
I could wish. I will inform you more perticularly in my next. In
i?77] Warren- Adams Letters 327
the mean time I hope the result of our exertions will rescue you
from the pain of enduring more reflections on your Constituents.
We always meant well, and if our policy had been equal to the
goodness of our intentions, we should have done better than we
have; but as it is have we not done better than those who abuse
us for not doing more. I should be glad to know the state of the
Quotas in the southern states. If I have a right notion of them, and
don't flatter myself too much with the present state of our own,
you may revenge yourself at pleasure. I am told now that General
Washington's Army is in a good state. I think there can't be less
than 7,000 of our men gone and most of them in Camp. We had
however yesterday an extract of a letter from Poor at Ti., for
warded by Gov. Trumbull, letting us know that the Enemy were
approaching and the Garrison weak, which is to me unaccountable.
However the Hampshire Militia was in soon after, and with other
Troops I hope will be an effectual relief. The letter is committed
and perhaps something more will be done. I intended to have
enlarged a little but have been interrupted. I can now only express
my obligations for the late instance of your friendship. I have had
yet no other notice of the appointment you mention but from com
mon report. It appears to me to be a business of some magnitude,
and I have taken such a lurch lately for a more private way of life
that I am undetermined what I shall do. I am told here that an
actual residence in Boston is required. If so I must of course ex
cuse myself, as I should be loath to move from and loose my inter
est in my native Town and County. I am however very glad there
is a Board established; never such a thing was wanted more. It
gives universal Satisfaction; every body applauds the measure.
If I undertake it, I shall exert myself to do as much honour to
your Nomination as I am able. We have a House of one-half new
Members : the upper Counties are largely represented, more than
60 already returned from the County of Worcester. They come
high charged and yesterday moved for a repeal of the Act for a
more equal representation. They did not however carry it. Some
of them had patience to wait till a Constitution was formed.
Adew.
[No signature.]
328 TVarren- Adams Letters [1777
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, June n, 1777
MY DEAR SiRj — The honourable Samuel [Joseph] Hewes, Esqr,1
a Delegate in Congress from North Carolina from 1774 to 1777,
being bound on a Journey, to Boston for the Recovery of his
Health, I do myself the Honour to introduce him to you.
He has a large share in the Conduct of our naval and commercial
affairs, having been a member of the naval and marine Commit
tees, and of the Secret Committee from the first.
I wish you would be kind enough to introduce him to some of
our best Company, and give him a line to Dr. Winthrop, that he
may have an opportunity of seeing the curiosities of Harvard
Colledge. I have not time to write the Doctor.
What Mr. Howe's present Plan is no Conjurer can discover. He
is moving and maneuvring with his Fleet and Army, as if he had
some Design, or other, but what it may be no Astrologer can divine.
It is disputed among the Writers, upon military Science, whether
a Faculty of penetrating the Intentions of an Enemy, or that of
acquiring the Love of his Soldiers is the first Quality of a General.
But whether this Penetration holds the first or second Place, it
cannot discover Designs that are not, and Schemes that were never
laid. Howe's behaviour Strongly indicates a Want of System.
Some conjecture he is bound to the West Indies, others to
Europe; one Party to Hallifax, another to Rhode Island. This
set sends him up the North River, that down the East River and
the other up the Delaware. I am weary of Conjectures. Time will
solve them.
One thing is certain, that in the Jersies his whole Army was
seized with Terror and Amazement. The Jersey Militia, have done
themselves, the highest Honour, by turning out in such great
Numbers, and with such Determined Resolution. This was alto
gether unexpected to the British and Hessian Gentry. They were
persuaded that the People, would be on their side, or at least
inactive; but when they found Hundreds, who had taken their
Protection, and their oaths of allegiance, in Arms, against them,
I Joseph Hewes (1730-1779).
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 329
and with terrible Imprecations, vowing Vengeance, their Hearts
sank within them and they sneaked away in a Panic. This Militia,
was dismissed too soon, and they took advantage of it, to come
out, again with their whole Army upon a predatory Expedition,
but soon returned, and evacuated New Jersey altogether.
I am most apprehensive they will go to Rhode Island. If not, I
think, unless they have prepared Reinforcements with such Secrecy
that no Intimations of them have reached us, they will give us
but a languishing and inactive Campaign.
I hope you proceed, in the Formation of a Constitution without
any hurtfull Divisions, or Altercations. Whatever] the Majority
determine, I hope the Minority will cheerfully concur in. The
fatal Experience of Pennsylvania, has made me dread nothing so
much as Disunion, upon this Point. God grant you may lay the
Foundations of a great, wise, free and honourable People.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, June nth, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — It is a long time since I have had- the pleasure
of a line from you. I looked for one last post, and was disappointed.
I wrote to you by the Thursday post, since which nothing of con
sequence has taken place here. A number of Men of War are
cruiseing on our Coast and three or four of them in our Bay. I
suppose their design is [to] get our frigates, and to intercept the
prizes taken by the Privateers lately sailed. I fear they will succeed
too well in the last, if not in the first. Where Manly and McNeil are
we don't hear, but I am in some pain for them. I am sorry to
hear there is any difficulty in Gates haveing the command of the
Northern Army. Will not this produce a resignation and some
confusion in our affairs. Besides I have no notion of a General who
is not on the spot, and to fight if there be occasion. Our Expedi
tion some time ago recommended by Congress has fallen through
in a strange manner. I can give you no account of this event, but
from a want of spirit and activity. When I left Boston I supposed
it was to be executed in a short time, but now I hear nothing of it.
330 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
The whole matter was left with our Council and they were vested
with powers accordingly. They perhaps can give a reason. The
Enemy at this time have but a small force, and I think might with
the greatest ease be driven off in the course of ten days from this
moment; but there is no General sent as mentioned, and nothing
can be done without a Continental General. Their holding this
Post at a time when they so much want reinforcements to their
main Army is the only circumstance that looks like an invasion of
N. England. What their movements will be, seems to us very
uncertain here. It is generally believed their reinforcements will
fall much short of their expectations, but we want some fresh
intelligence from Europe. Every thing we do hear looks like a
French War. I never wish to be beholden to any other Power but
that of Heaven, and to our own virtue and valour for our Liberties ;
but it seems to me a war between France and England will make
a diversion very favourable to us. At least it will Gratifie my
resentment and curiosity. I wish to see Britain distressed and
reduced to circumstances that shall make her appear ridiculous
and contemptible to herself, and I have a curiosity to see. the
operation and the event.
Your Loan Office in this State I am informed succeeds well. I
hope our money has got to its lowest ebb. I think our regulating
Act has among other evils injured our Currency by introducing
barter, etc.; but our House have after a long debate and a torrent
of eloquence and wisdom (for we have eloquent and wise folks
among us who affect great sublimity in both without decision),
determined against a repeal 122 to 31. We seem generally agreed
on a large Tax — not less than 1 50. perhaps 2OO,ooo£. If the other
N.E. states would tax in the same proportion, our money would
soon be on a better footing: pray let me hear from you. I want to
have intelligence from Europe, to hear how your Confederation,
etc., go on, and how your health is. I wish you happiness and am,
Yours, etc.
[No signature.]
Mrs. Warren desires compliments and best wishes to Mr. Adams.
My regards to Mr. Adams. I will write him soon, tho he has
almost dropped the correspondence.
,^55^^t*-^ ^—-
" ' ' ^& ^*^ *r+
-*#'*>r*
' ' s
^s£**9*.s-~~»S^
S
.^S*-^^^- ~<*"
i?77] Warren- Adams Letters 331
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., June 18, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — This Letter will be delivered to you by my
worthy Friend, Colo. Whipple,1 a Delegate of the State of New
Hampshire. He is a Gentleman of Candor, and I wish he may
have an opportunity of conversing freely with some one of Influ
ence in the Massachusetts Bay upon Matters which concern that
State particularly. I know of no one to whom I can recommend
him on this Occasion with more Propriety than to yourself. He
will be able to give you such Information of Persons and Things
as one would not chuse to throw on Paper in this precarious Time,
when an Accident might turn the Intelligence into a wrong
Channel.
I observe by the Boston Papers last brought to us, that you are
again plac'd in the Chair of the House of Representatives, with
which I am well pleased — Mr. Pain Speaker pro Temp., Mr.
Hancock first Member of the Boston Seat, and Mr. T. Cushing a
Councellor at large. I have the Honor of knowing but few of your
Members. I hope my Countrymen have been wise in their Elec
tions, and I pray God to bless their Endeavors for the Establish
ment of publick Liberty, Virtue and Happiness.
You will hear before this will reach you of the Movements of
the Enemy. It has been the general Opinion for some Months
past that Philadelphia is their Object. Should they gain this
Point, what will it avail them, unless they beat our Army? This I
think they will not do. My Wish is that our Army may beat them,
because it would, in my opinion, put a glorious End to the Cam
paign, and very probably the War. I confess I have always been
so very wrong headed as not to be over well pleased, with what is
called the Fabian War in America. I conceive a great difference
between the situations of the Carthaginian and the British Gen
erals. But I have no Judgment in Military Matters, and therefore
will leave the Subject to be discussed, as it certainly will be, by
those who are Masters of it.
I cannot conclude this Letter without thanking you for your
I William Whipple (1730-1785).
332 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Care in carrying a Matter in which I was interested through the
General Assembly, of which I have been informed by our Friend
Mr. J. A. I wish to hear from you. Adieu, my Friend.
S. A.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 1777
DEAR SIR, — Yours of the 5th inst. is before me. It may be
very true, that your Regiments are as full, as those of any other
State; but none of yours were so early in the Field, and we must,
not flatter ourselves with the Reflection that ours are as full as
others. When many Daughters do virtuously, we must excell them
all. We are the most powerfull State. We are so situated as to
obtain the best Intelligence. We were first in this Warfare: and
therefore We must take the Lead, and set the Example the others
will follow.
The Armies at Ti and in the Jersies begin to be very respectable:
but not one half so numerous as they ought to be. We must not
remit our Exertions.
You must not decline your Appointment to the Navy Board.
If you should, I know not who will succeed. Congress have passed
no order for a constant Residence at Boston. No doubt the most
of your Time will be taken up at Boston, but you need not renounce
your Native Town and County. It is a- Board of very great
Importance. I hope your Commissions and Instructions will be
soon forwarded. The Cause of their Delay so long is the same, I
suppose, that has retarded all other marine affairs — Causes,
which it would be thought inexpedient to explain.
I am very sorry to see in the Papers, the Appearance of Dissen
sions between the General Court and the Town of Boston, and to
learn from private Letters, that there are Divisions between the
Eastern and Western Part of our Commonwealth. I wish to know,
the Run of the Instructions from the Towns, on the Subject of a
Constitution, and whether you are in a way to frame one. Surely
the longer this Measure is delayed, the more difficult it will be to
accomplish. The Rage of Speculation, Improvement and Refine-
i?77] IVarren- Adams Letters 333
ment is unbounded, and the longer it is suffered to indulge itself
the wilder it will grow.
I am much mortified that our State have neglected so long, to
Number their Regiments, and to send us a List of them and of all
their officers. We loose one half the Reputation, that is due to us,
for want of a little Method and Regularity, in Business.
We are much embarrassed here, with foreign officers.1 We have
three capital Characters here, Monsr. de Coudray, General Con-
way, and Monsr De la Balme. These are great and learned Men.
Coudray is the most promising officer in France. Coudray is an
officer of Artillery, Balme of Cavalry, and Conway of Infantry.
Coudray has cost us dear, his Terms are very high, but he has done
us such essential service in France, and his Interest is so great and
so near the Throne, that it would be impolitick, not to avail our
selves of him.
I live here at an Expence, that will astonish my Constituents,
and expose me, I fear to Reflections. I spend nothing myself, I
keep no Company, and I live as simply, as any Member of your
Houses, without Exception. But my Horses are eating their
Heads off, and my own and servants Board are beyond any Thing
you can concieve. I would have sold my Horses and sent home
my servant, but we have been every Moment in Expectation of
the Enemy to this Town, which would oblige me to move and in
that Case such Confution would take Place, and such a Demand
for Horses to remove Families and Effects into the Country, that
I should not be able to obtain one to ride fifty Miles for Love nor
Money.
I have not made, and I can't make an exact Computation; but
I don't believe, my bare Expences, here, if I should stay with my
servant and Horses the whole year will amount to less than two
Thousand Dollars. If my Constituents are startled at this, I can
not help it, they must recall me.
We are in hourly Expec[ta]tion of momentous intelligence, from
every Quarter. Heaven grant it may be prosperous and pleasing.
[No signature .]
i Washington had complained of the demands made by these officers. See Writings of
Washington (Ford), v. 369, 403; Ballagh, Letters of Richard Henry Lee, i. 293.
•fe
334 barren- Adams Letters [1777
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, June 22d, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — If any conjecture may be formed from the
intelligence or rather reports prevailing here you may leave
Philadelphia before this letter will get there. It is said the Britons
are determined at all events to attempt that City, and I presume
the discretion and wisdom of your Body will induce you to decamp
and retire, before the Siege commences, if our Army is in the situa
tion we are told it is. I wish one side or the other would open the
Campaign. I long to hear of enterprizes, of battles fought and vic
tories gained on our side; but our intelligence about the Army and
every thing else to the Southward is of late miserably deficient
and uncertain. Do you recollect that you, on whom I principally
depend (because you used to write me often and give me much
intelligence), have missed four or five posts and that in that time
I have wrote you several letters? I intended home tomorrow or
next day, but believe I shall wait till Thursday in hopes of letters
from you and my other friends. If I fail I shall be disappointed.
All things remain here pretty much in the same situation as when
I last wrote you. The regulateing Act has been the subject of fre
quent and tedious debates, and it yet remains undetermined by
the House whether to repeal, inforce, or suspend it for a time.
While the people abroad pay very little or no regard to it, the only
notice taken of it is the continual disputes and execrations that
meet us in every company. The prevailing sentiment in the op
position seems to be for a suspension and let it die in some sort
by the authority of Government a lingering death. We have now
a Committee for reporting a Constitution. They have met several
times, and are well agreed as to the main points in the Connecticut
Form. I conceive the matter of Representation will be our greatest
difficulty. They have agreed on the qualification of Electors, that
they should be Freemen of 21 years of age, resident for a certain
time in each Town, and such as have paid publick Taxes. I could
wish that .a certain degree of property had been another; but as it
is to have the sanction of the people at large I question whether
that would not render the whole abortive, and from that principle
i?77] Warren- Adams Letters 335
have conceded to it as it is. What number of Electors is to intitle
a Town to one Representative or more is the next question not
yet settled. Tho we have the advantage of a Member of Congress
on this Committee, I am never with them but I wish you was one
of us. We want you much. This is a subject of such a magnitude
and extent that I feel myself very unequal to, and in want of the
judgment and wisdom of those who I have the greatest confidence
in and opinion of instead of the narrow sentiments, trite trifling,
and sometimes ludicrous observations of those whose abilities and
judgments I despise. I guess at your curiosity with regard to a
Certain Member and wish to gratify it; but letters have been
intercepted and may be again you will therefore excuse me. I hope
your next will contain some observations on a form of Government
for this State. They would be seasonable at this time.
We have had a Bill before us for freeing the Negroes, which is
ordered to lie, least if passed into an Act it should have a bad
effect on the Union of the Colonies. A letter to Congress on that
subject was proposed and reported, but I endeavoured to divert
that, supposeing it would embarrass and perhaps be attended with
worse consequences than passing the Act. All our other business
I can now mention is of smaller consequence and in the common
course.
As to news we have very little of late. There are a number of
Cruisers on our Coast who have taken divers vessels, and two days
ago drove ashore on the back of the Cape a Brigantine belonging
to this State from the West Indies with 80 bbl. powder, 500 Arms,
some duck and salt, etc., which they took possession of; when the
inhabitants mustered and marched down to the shore with a piece
of cannon, upon which they left her and cargo which was all ex
cept a few trifles saved. We hear nothing lately from Manly and
McNeil. It is said eight frigates are in quest of them. I expect
they will have a brush before they return. The Alfred remains in
port, not quite man'd, otherways ready to go to sea. Our fleet at
Providence still shut up. It is said Hopkins is determined to at
tempt to get out, and it is generally believed he will fail if he does.
Some prizes are sent in. A vessel arrived here yesterday in eight
een days from St. Eustatia and brings an account that the Oliver
336 W^arren- Adams Letters [1777
Cromwell Privateer of Philadelphia of 24 guns was lately taken by
a Sloop of War of fourteen. This is an indignity that Oliver never
suffered.
I suppose you have reconsidered your Resolve for a Navy
Board here. We hear nothing of it lately. I am with great Sincerity
Your Friend, etc.
[No signature.]
My best Friend gives her regards to you. Please to inform
Mr. Gerry that the Ship expected from Bilboa is not yet arrived.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., June 23d, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote to you a few days ago by Colo. Whip-
pie, with whom I hope you have had free Conversation. As he
must have been not far from the Spot, he can give you a more
particular Account than has yet been handed to us, of the late
Scituation and Movements of the two Armies. The main Body
of our Army were encampd at Middlebrook and a considerable
Force consisting of Continental Troops and Militia lay at a place
called Sourland Hills within Six Miles of the Enemy, who were
posted at Somerset Court House, Nine Miles on this side of
Brunswick. The Right of the Enemy was at Brunswick and their
Left at Somerset. They were well fortified on the Right, and had
the Rariton River in Front and Millstone River on the left. In
this Scituation General Washington thought an Attack upon them
would not be warranted by a sufficient Prospect of Success and
might be attended with bad Consequences. His Design was to
collect all the Forces that could possibly be drawn from other
Quarters so as to reduce the Security of his Army to the greatest
Certainty, and to be in a Condition to embrace any fair opportu
nity that might offer to make an Attack on advantageous Terms.
In the mean time by light Bodies of Militia seconded and encour
aged by a few Continental Troops to harrass and diminish their
Numbers by continual Skirmishes. But the Enemy made a sudden
Retreat to Brunswick, and from thence with great Precipitation
H^arren- Adams Letters 337
to Amboy. All the Continental Troops at Peeks Kill except the
Number necessary for the Security of the Post were ordered to
hasten on to the Army in Jersey, and a Part of them had joynd.
I am not disposd to ascribe great military Skill to General Howe;
but if he designd to draw the whole of our Forces from the East
to the West Side of Hudson's River, in order to gain Advantage
by suddenly crossing the River with his own Army, I cannot but
hope they will be cut off and his Design frustrated. Great Credit
is due to the Jersey Militia who have turnd out with Spirit and
Alacrity. I congratulate you on the Success of our State Vessels
of War.
Will you be so kind as to call on Mrs. A. and let her know that
you have receivd this letter, for she charges me with not writing
to my Friend so often as she thinks I ought.
The Watchman tells me it is past twelve o'Clock. Adieu, my
dear Friend.
S. A.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., June 30, 1777
DEAR SIR, — I have the pleasure of receiving your friendly
Letter of the i6th Instant, and have little more than time enough
barely to acknowledge it. There is an unaccountable uncertainty
in the conducting the Post office. About a month ago I remon
strated to the Post Master General that the Time allowd the
Eastern Delegates to answer the Letters they received (being on
the Monday between the Hours of 9 and 2) was altogether spent
in Congress, and requested that we might have one Evening for
the purpose. He granted it, and the Post has been since detaind
till tuesday Morning. But I am now informd that the former
Regulation is revivd, for what Reason I know not, and our Let
ters must be ready at two o'Clock. I do assure you I should hardly
forgive my self, if I could reflect upon my having once neglected
to write to so valuable a Friend as you.
You wish to hear "how our Confederation goes on." I do not
wonder at your Anxiety to have it completed, for it appears to me
338 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
to be a Matter of very great Importance. We every now and then
take it into Consideration, but such a Variety of Affairs have
demanded the Attention of Congress, that it has been impracti
cable hitherto to get it through. There are but two or three things
which in my Opinion will be the Subjects of further Debate, and
upon these I believe most if not all the Members have already
made up their Minds. One is, what share of Votes each of the
States which differ so much in Wealth and Numbers shall have in
determining all Questions. Much has been said upon this weighty
Subject, upon the Decision of which the Union of the States and
the Security of the Liberty of the whole [depend]. Perhaps it
would be more easy for a disinterested Foreigner to see, than for
the united States to fix upon the Principles on which this Question
ought in Equity to be decided. The Sentiments in Congress are
not various, but, as you will easily conceive, opposite. The Ques
tion was very largely debated a few days ago, and I am apt to
think it will be tomorrow determind, that each State shall have one
Vote, but that certain great and very interesting Questions shall
have the concurrent Votes of Nine States for a Decision. Whether
this Composition will go near towards the Preservation of a due
Ballance, I wish you to consider. For if your Life and Health is
spared to your Country you will have a great Share in the Deter
mination of it hereafter.
You have Advices from abroad later than ours. Our last Intel
ligence I gave you pretty minutely in a Letter which I sent and
suppose was deliverd to you by Capt. Collins.
I find by the Newspapers that the General Assembly under the
Denomination of a Convention are forming a new Constitution.
This is a momentous Business; I pray God to direct you! Shall I
be favord with your own and others Sentiments upon it. I am
greatly afflicted to find that angry Disputes have arisen among
my dear Countrymen, at a time especially when perfect good
Humour should subsist and every Heart and Tongue and Hand
should unite in promoting the Establishment of publick Liberty
and securing the future Safety and Happiness of our Country.
I am sure you will cultivate Harmony among those who love the
Country in Sincerity. With Regard to others, I will say in the Apos-
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 339
tolick Language "I would they were all cut off" (banishd at least)
"who trouble you."
Will it too much infringe upon your precious Time, to acquaint
Mrs. A. that I am in good Health and Spirits; and have not oppor
tunity to write to her by this Post. I am with the most friendly
Regards to your Lady and Family, very affectionately, your Friend,
S. A.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, July 7, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — Yours of June 22d reed, only today. We have
no Thoughts of leaving Philadelphia. I believe Howe has no
Thoughts of attempting it, but if he has We are determined to
keep it. Our Army, with the assistance of the Militia, will be suffi
cient to defend it.
Why our Army fills up no faster I can't conceive. The Massa
chusetts Regiments at Ti are not one Third full, and We cannot
learn from Peeks Kill, that Putnam ever had above Six Thousand
Men, in all, from Mass., Rhode Island, Connecticutt, and New
York. You must have been deceived in the Numbers inlisted.
There is a loud Complaint here, about Arms. EighteenThousand
Arms have arrived at Portsmouth 1 and We know not what be
comes of them. Other Arms have arrived in Mass., but We know
not where they are, and it is said the Game Cock carried Six Thou
sand into Dartmouth. Where are they?
I wish you Joy of your Employment in making a Constitution,
hope you will make a good one. I hope to sit quietly under it,
altho I shall have no hand in forming it. Do you intend to make
every Man of 21 a Voter for the Council? I have nothing to say,
but I fear you will find a Fountain of Corruption, in making so
many Voters.
The Bill for freeing the Negroes, I hope will sleep for a Time.
We have Causes enough of Jealousy Discord and Division, and
this Bill will certainly add to the Number.
I am weary enough of Complaints, concerning Navy Matters.
I By the Amphitrite.
340 tt^arren- Adams Letters [1777
I do all I can in public and private to stimulate, but all in vain.
The Commissions were never sent untill 4 or 5 days ago by Mr.
Sherman.1 The Instructions are not sent yet.2 Who is in Fault, I
dont say. It is enough for me to answer for my own Faults.
Is a certain elevated Citizen 3 to put his Hand upon the Pum-
mell of one Chair, and leap into another, at 370 Miles Distance?
For my own Part I wish to see Gravity, Wisdom, Constancy and
Fortitude in every Chair upon the Continent. My Hopes were
placed upon Mr. B.,4but his Retirement, has damped if not extin
guished them. My next Expectations were from the Philosopher.5
But I doubt whether the popular Breath, will blow that Way. My
Wishes, and Judgment are entirely for another.6 But I know not
the Chance.
I should be more anxious about the Chair, if I were to be near
it. But — I pant, and sigh for private Life and rural Felicity.
Here all my Wishes terminate, and the sooner I reach it, with an
eternal Renunciation of all Concerns with the public, the better
for me. An Idol in the Chair that I cannot and will not worship,
will only facilitate my Progress, to that Condition in human Life,
where alone I can be happy or even comfortable.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, July loth, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I returned to this Town on Tuesday and found
the Court had just adjourned to September. Last evening I had
the pleasure of yours of the I9th June. Am much obliged to you
for it. It is a rarity being the only one for a month. I hope the
laudable ambition you so frequently discover for your Country's
excelling in her exertions for carrying on this war will be gratified.
I believe we have 8000 already marched, and some more to go. If
the other States had done as well, we should certainly have had a
i Roger Sherman, who had been placed on the Navy Committee June 5, 1777, and super
seded on June 30 by Richard Law.
ar^6 leUerS and °rderS for continental shiPs were Printed for the Navy Board in >eb-
3 John Hancock? 4 James Bowdoin. 5 Prof. John Winthrop. 6 James Warren.
i?77] W^arren- Adams Letters 341
more numerous Army in the field. We shall not remit our exertions
till our Quota is compleat.
In my last I informed you that we were proceeding on a Consti
tution of Government, and what kind of a one we were likely to
have. Very little has been since done as I am told. You must
know that the Council (of whom several are on the Committee)
are almost to a man against a new Constitution, and are forced to
come to it with the greatest reluctance; some of us are lukewarm
and others consider it as a business by the bye. So the Committee
is, instead of improveing this interval and going on that business,
immediately adjourned to the week before the Court meets, so
that I have a prospect of a little leisure. I shall go home tomorrow,
and hope to get more than one ramble among the herds at Eal-
river. The season here is uncommonly fine, there is a profusion of
grass round this Town — 'the finest crops of hay I have ever seen.
You need give yourself no concern about any appearance there
was of disunion between the Town and the Court. It was a sud
den movement of the Town, from the sudden caprice of a few
individuals, and seemed to be done without any fixed principles
against assuming a Constitution, and like most other sudden and
violent things, very quickly subsided, without leaving so much as
an appearance of opposition. Nor do I apprehend any danger
from the other division you mention. Some gentlemen came down
with a few prejudices against the Tradeing Interest, others with
very self important notions, and when the first had examined a
little, and the others had vented themselves, the cloud dispersed
without much lightning, and no bad effects.
I will again try to have our Regiments numbered, and to furnish
you with a list of them and their Officers. I can easily conceive it
is somewhat embarrassing to have so many foreign officers on your
lists. It must increase the number of your General officers faster
than perhaps you inclined.
Give your self no trouble about the expences of your liveing.
Your Constituents must be reconciled to it, without recalling you.
For my own part I wish you to live genteely and in character, cost
what it will. I am sure I would if I was in your place. Keep your
servant and your horses. I am sure we should not begrutch you
342 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
any thing you incline to eat, drink, or spend. If it should be neces
sary to make you another grant of money, let me know it, and I will
endeavour to have it done as soon as we meet. We are not unac
quainted with extravagancies here. We give five dollars for board,
etc., which gives us feelings we were not used to. Since my last
nothing material has turned up in the General Court, nor have we
any news but from the Jersies and Ti., which you know more about
than I do. I hope Ti. will be saved. Schuyler must certainly exert
himself now. He will strain every nerve. Many here are very
anxious for the fate of that place, but I am not much concerned if
the Army there do their duty. Where will Howe next bend his
course? After his late curious expedition and retreat, I think New
England as probable an object as any. If he comes I hope we shant
mortifie the pride you have for the reputation of your Country. A
few prizes drop in and we have another valuable arrival of Arms,
powder, etc. I suppose Mrs. Adams will herself inform you she is
well. My regards to Mr. Adams and Gerry and to other friends.
I shall write them as soon as I have opportunity. With my best
wishes I am Your Friend, etc.
[No signature.]
Let Mr. Gerry know the Ship Lidia is not yet arrived. She left
Bilboa and was chased into another port by a small English priva
teer. Two of ours were gone after her. I hope she will be taken
and the Ship releived.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, July n, 1777
DEAR SIR, — We have this moment an account of the Evacua
tion of Ticonderoga 'in consequence of a Council of General Offi
cers, who determined it to be absolutely necessary to save the
small Army there.1 This intelligence is by a letter from St. Clair
to the president of the Convention at Vermont. This letter was
dated the 7th. He was then on his way to Bennington, and he in
tended to throw himself on the North River, which as it appears to
i See Proceedings of a General Court Martial ... /or the Trial of Major General St. Clair
(N. Y. Hist. Soc. Collections, 1880), and Smith, Life of St. Clair.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 343
me will lay open our Country to the Enemy who were in posses
sion of Shrewsbury. The letter does not inform us of the number
of either Army, nor of the loss we sustained; only that he was not
able to make his retreat with the Stores so perfectly as he could
have wished, and that there had been a severe Action in the rear,
the event of which he did not exactly know. I am your Friend,
J. W.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA, July 22, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I now sit down to write to you in great Haste.
We have still further but I think confusd Accounts from the North
ward. Schuyler lays the blame of the Disaster upon Sinclare and
the General officers. "What could induce them," says he, "to a
Step that has ruind our Affairs in this Quarter God only knows."
They impute it to the Want of Men. They say there were but
about 2000 effective Rank and file; but by the Quartermasters
Return of the 25 of June, which was ten days before the Evacua
tion of the Garrison, I assure you there were fit for Duty of the 9
Continental Regiments
Commissd. and non Comd. and Staff officers included 2738
Wells 1 and Leonards 2 Massachusts. Regimts. of Militia 637
Long's 3 Regmt. of N. H. Militia 199
Stevens' 4 Corps of Artillery 151
5 Companies Artificers 6 178
Three Companies of Rangers, viz. Whitcomb's,6 Aldrich's 7 and Lee's . . 70
3973
At out posts not included 218
besides sick in Camps and barracks 342
4533
Schuyler in his Letter of 9th July says, " I am informed from undoubted
Authority that the Garrison was reinforcd with 1200 Men at least two days
before the Evacuation." Let us set them down only 967 to 967
make an even Number of the whole . 5500
I Agrippa Wells, of Greenfield. 2 David Leonard, of West Springfield.
3 Pierce Long. 4 Ebenezer Stevens. 5 Commanded by Jeduthan Baldwin.
6 John Whitcomb. 7 Not mentioned in the return made by St. Clair at his trial.
344 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
If half of these were officers, will anyone presume that they are
preferable to Privates. You may make what use you please of this
Scroll. I will write you further particulars very soon. I hope our
Massachusetts friends will put it in our power to vindicate that
State from Aspersion. Adieu. S. A—
Sinclair in a Letter of June 30 says "My People are in the best
Disposition possible and I have no Doubt about giving a good
Accot. of the Enemy should they think proper to attack us." l
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., July 31, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — It is a long time since I had the Pleasure of a
Letter from you. I have not heard your opinion of the Evacuation
of T[i]conderoga. You are doubtless as much chagrind as I am.
It is ascribd to different Causes. Congress is determind that the
true Reasons shall be enquired into, and the Conduct of the
General officers. Schuyler's Friends are endeavoring to clear him
from all Blame, because, say they, he was not there. This is true.
And as it was well known he had never been used to keep his own
Person near his Army, perhaps it may be pertinently asked, Why
he was pitched upon to take the Command.2 Your Delegates, I
can assure you, were utterly against it. And, notwithstanding it
was publishd in one of the Boston News papers, said to be war
ranted by a Letter from this City, that General Schuyler had the
entire Confidence of Congress, there were five only of eleven
States present, in favor of it. The Paper I think was of the 5th of
June.3 I wish I could know who gave the Letter to the Printer.
In order, I suppose, to give Credit to that Letter, there was an
other Publication in the Papers here, informing the World, that
when he set off for the Northern Department, he was accompanied
1 See the letter from Samuel Adams to Richard Henry Lee, July 12, 1777, in Wells,
Life of Samuel Adams, n. 484.
2 The Board of War reported in favor of Schuyler, May 15, 1777, but the report was not
acted upon until May 22.
3 The extract appeared in the Independent Chronicle, June 12, 1777, and read: "Gen
eral Schuyler will return to the Northern Department, possessed of the full Confidence of
Congress, his Conduct has been fully enquired into, and the Congress have given very hon
orable Proofs of their good opinion of him." The extract was dated May 27.
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 345
by the President and other Members of Congress, which I take for
granted is true. These are trifling political Manuvres similar to
those which we have formerly seen practicd in the Massachusetts
Bay, when a Prop was wanted for a sinking Character. You may
think them not worth your Notice; Excuse my troubling you with
them. Cunning Politicians often make use of the Names of Per
sons, and sometimes of the Persons themselves, who have not the
least Suspicion of it, to serve their own designs. When I mentiond
five out of Eleven I should have explaind my self. There were five
States for the Measure, four against it and two divided. Had not
the State of Rhode Island been at that Juncture accidentally un
represented, there would have been an equal Division, and the
Measure would have been prevented. The most important Events
may sometimes depend upon small Circumstances. Some Gentle
men of the State of N.Y. are exceedingly attachd to G. Schuyler.
They represent him as Instar Omnium in the Northern Depart
ment. After all that has been said, I conceive of him, as I have for
a long time, excellently well qualified for a Commissary or Quar
termaster. The N.E. Delegates were (perhaps one excepted) to a
Man against his having the Command of that Army. But of this
I will write particularly in another Letter.
I am not willing to prejudge, but I must say, it is difficult to
reconcile the sudden Evacuation of Ty. with the previous flatter
ing Letters of General St. Clare. In one of his Letters written but
a few days before he says "My People are in the best Disposition
possible and I have no Doubt about giving a good Account of the
Enemy if they shall think proper to attack us." He has been es
teemed here a good officer and in his Letter he bespeaks the
Candor of the Publick till he can be heard. Pains will be taken to
lay the Blame upon the N.E. States, for not furnishing their Quota
of Men. I wish therefore you would procure for me an authentick
Account of the Number of Men, both regular and Militia sent to
the Northward from our State, and how they were cloathd and
armd. You may remember that Congress recommended to the
Eastern States, some time I think in December last,1 to send a
i Journals of the Continental Congress, vi. 1038. The recommendation was passed
December 24, 1776.
346 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Reinforcement of Militia to Ticonderoga, to remain there till they
could be replacd by Continental Troops then raising. I have
never been informd of the Effect of that Recommendation — or if
I have I do not recollect it. Pray put it in our Power to state Facts
precisely as far as they regard our State. It is agreed on all Sides
that a Fault lies some where. I hope the Truth will be thoroughly
investigated, and to use the homely Proverb, the Saddle laid on
the right Horse.
We are looking every Moment for the Arrival of the Enemy in
this River. Two hundred and 55 Sail were seen on Wednesday last
steering from the Hook South East. Seventy Sail were seen from
the Shore near Egg Harbour, about 20 Leagues from these Capes,
on Saturday last steering the same Course. The Wind against
them. They could not come here at a better time. Genl. W[ashing-
ton] is drawing his Troops into this Neighborhood. Some of them
are arrivd. But as the Enemy has the Advantage of us by Sea, it
is too easy for them to oblige us to harass our Troops by long and
fruitless Marches; and I should not wonder to hear that they have
tackd about and gone Eastward. I hope my Countrymen are
prepared. Let brotherly Love continue. Adieu. Pay my friendly
Respects to your Lady and family.1
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
DEAR SIR, — I wrote to you on the 30 Ulto. by Mr. Bruce, who
did not leave the City on that day as I expected. His stay gives
me the oppty. of acquainting you that, an Express who left the
Capes yesterday informs us that the Enemies Ships all went out to
Sea in the morning steering E.N.E., supposd to be going to Hud
son's River, Rh. Island, or Boston. Mr. Bruce will give you as
particular an Acct. as I can; I therefore refer you to him. This is
what I expected. I trust you are upon your Guard.
Congress have orderd that an Enquiry be made into the Reasons
of the Evacuation of Tyconderoga and Mount Independence and
into the Conduct of the General officers who were in the Northn.
I Endorsed: favord by Mr. Bruce.
Warren-Adams Letters 347
Departmt. at the time of the Evacuation. That Schuyler, St.
Clair, Poor,1 Patterson 2 and Roche de Fermoy repair to Head
Quarters, and that Genl. Washington order such Genl. officers
as he shall think proper immediately to repair to the Northern
Department to relieve Schuyler in his Command there.3 A Comt.
is appointed to digest and report the Mode of conducting the
Enquiry.
It appears to me difficult to account for the Evacuation of those
Posts even upon the Principle of Cowardice. The whole Con
duct seems to carry the evident Marks of Deliberation and Design.
My utmost Endeavors shall not be wanting to have the Matter
searched to the Bottom.
If we are vigilant active spirited and decisive, I yet flatter
my self, notwithstanding the present vexatious Situation of our
Affairs at the Northwd., we shall humble our Enemies this Cam
paign. I am truly mortified at their leaving this place, because I
think we were fully prepared for them, and I believe the cow
ardly rascals knew it. May Heaven prosper our righteous Cause.
Adieu.
S.A
PHILADA., Augt. i, '77
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, August loth, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I received your favours by Mr. Hewes and by
the post since writeing which you must have heard of the impor
tant event of the Evacuation of Ti. What will be the consequences
of it time will discover. What will be the reflections upon it in the
South you are able before now to say. I suppose many aspertions
on these States. That languor, supineness, and want of public
virtue, and spirit prevail here is too true, but do they not prevail
in the Southern States ? It is true we have not furnished our quota
of the Army, have they furnished theirs? If they have where are
I Enoch Poor. 2 John Paterson.
3 On August 2 the New England delegates asked Washington to send Gates. Sparks,
Writings of Washington, v. 14.
348 Warren-Adams Letters [1777
they? The General Court here have done all in their power, and
more than the Southern States approved of. It is rather their mis
fortune than fault that our men are not all in the field; but will
Congress impute the loss of Ti. to the negligence of these States?
I see St. Clair's letter published by their order. You will hear
that the General Court are now met on a special call of the Coun
cil. I presume we are able, and I hope before we rise we shall de
monstrate that near 3 500 of our Continental Troops must at that
time have been at the places of their destination in that depart
ment : and N : Hampshire say more than 2000 of theirs, and at least
4000 of them perhaps more, equipt with the New Arms out of the
French Ship at Portsmouth, as good as any on the Continent, and
more Militia than they had would have been furnished if requested.
If you ask how this is to be reconciled to St. Clair's letter, I answer
that is for him and the other officers to do, upon a severe scrutiny
which I hope will be made into this matter. The indignation and
distrust that prevails here are extreem, and the want of confidence
in your Commanders that way such that if it be not removed by
Lincoln's 1 being sent there to command the Militia will very much
impede our Reinforcements. We have ordered a sixth part of the
Militia of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, York, Hampshire
and Berkshire, a small part of two of them excepted to be
drafted, and marched directly,2 these I think must make at least
4000 men. What Connecticut, or Hampshire have done I know
not. We have also come to some severe resolutions for compleat-
ing our quota of the Army. We have just received an account that
our Army have retreated from Saratoga to Stillwater, and that the
British Fleet and Army had returned to the Hook, and General
Washington to Morris Town. We have expected them here, which
occasioned some confusion in this Town for a day or two. We now
generally suppose they are going up the North River. Had they
come I believe our Militia would have turned out with a spirit
1 Benjamin Lincoln. He was at Worcester, and had written, August 7, to General Ward,
"communicating his Sentiments with respect to a Disobedience to the Order of Court for
raising this State's Quota of the Army, and the prevalent Suspicions of the People with
respect to the Evacuation of Ticonderoga." Journal of the House of Representatives (Mass.),
August 8, 1777.
2 Ib.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 349
equal to any of their Neighbours. Upon the alarm from Rhode
Island, they marched from the Regiments that had orders with
uncommon readiness and alacrity considering the business of the
Season. Three or four days would have carried 10,000 of them
there. No body on that occasion was more embarrassed than I
was. I don't feel afraid to fight, and I believe you are sensible
nobody has more zeal for the Cause than I have; but I have too
much pride to submit to circumstances humiliateing and degrade-
ing. Our Council ordered me to repair there, and take the com
mand of them, and receive from General Spencer, or such other
officer as should be appointed to command there from time to time,
such directions as they should give me. The last part of the order
was very extraordinary, and tho' the first may be conformable to a
resolve of Congress you will suffer me to tell you I think that so.
I know of nothing to determine an officer's rank but his Commis
sion and the date of it. If we have no right to appoint Major
Generals we should not have done it. If we have they ought to
have their rank, with whatever troops they are called to serve, or at
least the depreciation should have been settled prior to their ap
pointment, and they should have known what proportion of one
they were to be, when they came within the splendid orb of a
Continental Officer. As you have Generals in every State some
times without a man, even an Orderly Sargeant, to attend them, I
suppose to command the Militia, I foresee the Militia are to be
considered in the same light of inferiority with regard to the Con
tinental Troops that I have been used with indignation to see
them with regard to the British. This by depressing that spirit of
military pride which alone can make them important to them
selves and others, will soon render them of little consequence and
make a standing Army necessary. As I am somewhat advanced in
life, and have by the partiality of my countrymen been honoured
with many civil and military distinctions, and acted a considerable
part in the present great controversy, I have determined no longer
to submit to such circumstances, and have therefore embraced this
interval of security to resign my Commission. You are now to
excuse being detained so long with a matter of so little conse
quence, I mean so far as relates to me.
35° Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Mr. Gushing and Mr. Paine have been to Springfield to meet
the Committees from the other N. England States, and New York,
they returned last evening.1 Coll. Orne in his humorous way says
he could not go without Paine and therefore did not go. I am told
they have unanimously agreed to report a repeal of all regulateing
Acts, and Land Embargos, and to call in all the money of those
States by the first of December next, and to have no currency but
Continental. How long we shall set I cant say.2 Nothing will de
tain us more than two days longer but that matter, unless we issue
a Tax this Session which should have been done before. Our Naval
Affairs have had a sad reverse; instead of the triumph of a man-
of-war prize, we have lost the Hancock a fine frigate.
The Commissions of the Navy Board or rather the instructions
of the Marine Board arrived about a week ago. By them it ap
pears we should be all three present in order to transact business.
Mr. Deshon (tho' we have expected him ten days) is not yet
arrived. I see the business is very large and extensive, must en
gross our whole time, and we are allowed but one clerk, which I
think quite insufficient.3 While I remain at this Board I shall do
every thing I can to answer the design of our appointment, and
the expectation of my friends; but with you I sigh for private life
and domestic felicity, and incline to resign. I only delay it from
respect to your sollicitations. Tomson,4 Hinman,5 and Jones 6 are
at Portsmouth — have not yet been to sea; McNeil7 at Casco
Bay. A number of cruisers on our coast, who have taken and de
stroyed many vessels, and among them several privateers. Had we
the ships now shut up in Providence, with those mentioned above,
I think we should soon have a clear coast.
The Committee on a Constitution have done nothing lately.
I hope when we meet again, we shall get along with it, and form
a tolerable one, but I tremble with diffidence every step I take.
Better heads than mine should be employed in this business.
I lament the absence of some one or two. When this is com-
1 The proceedings are in Hoadley, Records State of Connecticut, i. 599.
2 The General Court adjourned August 16.
3 October 23 Congress raised the pay of the clerk, and empowered the Board to ap
point a second clerk, if found necessary.
4 Thomas Thompson. 5 Elisha Hinman. 6 John Paul Jones. 7 Hector McNeill.
Warren- Adams Letters 351
pleated I believe in spite of my sentiments or yours the Citizen
you mention will make the leap. I am in great Sincerity Yours,
etc.
[No signature.]
You enquire what is become of Arms. Four thousand have been
received from Mr. Langdon by this State and all but about 100
delivered to Continental Regiments; the remainder must be ac
counted for by your Agents. There is a mystery about all these
matters. I hope time will perfect such arrangements as will pre
vent all uncertainty in future.
I have several letters from Mr. Adams and Gerry lately; not a
word about this Navy Board. Do unravel that mystery. Don't
they like the thing or the men.1
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADELPHIA, Augt. 12, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — The inclosed is an attested Copy of General
Schuyler's Letter to the President of the Congress. It needs no
Comment. How far the Massachusetts State deserves the stric
tures therein made, you can tell. I send it to you for the Perusal
of the Members of your Honbl. House. If they have sent into the
Army, Boys, Negroes and Men too aged to be fit for any Service,
they will lay their Hands on their Mouths. If not, I hope some
decent but keen Pen will vindicate them from that and other
Aspersions. This, like all his other Letters, is written in such a
despondent Stile, that it is no wonder that Soldiers decline fight
ing under him, though they may be under no Apprehension of
Treachery. But he has by this time receivd his Quietus, at least
till he can give a good Account of his Conduct. Gates is gone to
take the Command, and Our Affairs in that Quarter, I dare say,
will soon wear another Face.
The Enemies fleet have been again seen, 200 Sail, off Sinipuxin
about 15 Leagues South of the Capes of Delaware. I think I have
I What remains of the papers of the continental Marine Committee and Board of Ad
miralty has been printed by the Naval History Society, New York.
352 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
now a just Demand upon you for a Letter. I shall be disappointed
if I do not receive one by the next Post. Adieu my Friend.
S. A
[Enclosure.]
STILWATER, August 4th, 1777
SIR, — By the unanimous advice of all the general officers, I have moved the
army to this place; here we propose to fortify a camp in expectation that rein
forcements will enable us to keep the ground, and prevent the enemy penetrating
further. I wish I could say that we had any prospect of such reinforcements.
None of the Militia from the State of Massachusetts or this, will remain with me
above five or six days longer. The time of service for which colonel Long's regi
ment is engaged, expires on the 7th inst. This diminution with what we sustain
by desertion, sickness, and in skirmishes with the enemy will reduce us to an
alarming weakness.
What effect my repeated application to the State of Massachusetts will have, I
cannot determine, as I have not yet been honor'd with an answer. Governor
Trumbull informs me that he has requested General Washington to send troops,
which he would replace; that he waits his excellency's answer, and in the mean
time has ordered the militia brigadiers to draft and equip the men; but in what
numbers, or when I may expect them he does not advise me of. I am equally un
certain whether I may expect any from this State.
It is a melancholly consideration that whilst our force is daily diminishing the
enemy increase theirs, by a continued acquisition of tories in very considerable
numbers.
It is impossible at present to procure a return, but I am very certain that we
have not above four thousand continental troops; if men, one third of which are
negroes, boys, and men too aged for field, or indeed any other service, can, with
propriety be called troops. If it should be asked how boys, negroes, and such
aged men come to be sent; I can only answer that the States from whence these
troops are come, may possibly determine it. The fact is as I have stated it, liter
ally so, and I may add, that a very great part of the army took the field, in a
manner, naked; without blankets, ill armed, and very deficient in accoutrements,
and still continue so to be, without a prospect of relief, and to add to our misfor
tunes, many, too many of our officers would be a disgrace to the most contempti
ble troops that were ever collected, and have so little sense of honor, that cashier
ing seems no punishment. They have stood by, and suffered the most scandalous
depredations to be committed on the poor distressed, ruined, and flying inhabit
ants. I must not however, omit saying that we have many officers that would
do honor to the best army that ever took the field; but their exertions being
counteracted by the worthless; it is impossible for them to do what they wish.
Perhaps Congress may think it necessary to invest me with a power in council of
general officers to suspend officers for mal-conduct, until the pleasure of Congress
is known. Should that power be conferred, and I receive it whilst we are still an
army, it is possible that we may continue so, and get into some order.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 353
General Burgoyne is at fort Edward. He has withdrawn his troops from Castle-
town, and is bending his whole force this way. He will probably be here in eight
days, and unless we are well reinforced, as much farther as he pleases to go. I am
Sir very respectfully, Your most obedt. Humble Servant,
(Signed) PH. SCHUYLER
The Honble John Hancock esquire, etc., etc.
Secretary's Office of Congress;
Copy of original, compared.
WILLIAM CH. HOUSTON, D. Sfcry.1
JOHN GLOVER TO JAMES WARREN
STILLWATER, 6th Augt., 1777 (24 Miles above Albany)
DEAR SIR, — This will inform you we left Saratoga the 3rd,
bringing off all our stores of every kind, with large Droves of
Cattle, Sheep and Hoggs.
We arriv'd here 3 OClock in the morning of the 4th. During the
three days at Saratoga, we were Constantly (Night and day) in an
Alarm, Our scouting parties, a great part of them frequently cut
off, killd, Scalp'd and taken Prisoners. The day we left it our
Scouts were all drove in by the Indians — two Men brot. to my
Quarters, one of them Scalp'd. It appeard they had not been
dead more than half an hour.
I immediately detach'd 400 Men from my Brigade, to scour the
Woods, where they remaind till 4 OClock. Saw nothing of the
Enemy, save three Blanketts, suppos'd to be left by them. We
have had 25 or 30 Men kill'd and scalp'd, and as many more taken
I "Schuyler has written a series of weak and contemptible things in a stile of Despond
ency which alone, I think, is sufficient for the Removal of him from that Command; for if
his Pen expresses the true Feelings of his Heart, it cannot be expected that the bravest
Veterans would fight under such a General, admitting they had no Suspicion of Treachery.
In a letter dated the 4th Instant at Still Water, he writes in a Tone of perfect Despair. He
seems to have no Confidence in his Troops, nor the States from whence Reinforcements are
to be drawn. A third Part of his Continental Troops, he tells us, consists 'of Boys, Negroes
and aged men not fit for the Field or any other Service.' 'A very great Part of the Army
naked, without Blanketts, ill armed and very deficient in Accoutrements, without a Pros
pect of Relief.' 'Many, too many of the Officers would be a Disgrace to the most con
temptible Troops that ever was collected.' The Exertions of others of them of a different char
acter 'counteracted by the worthless.' 'Gen'l Burgoyne is bending his Course this Way. He
will probably be here in eight Days, and unless we are well reinforced' (which he does not
expect,) 'as much farther as he pleases to go.' Was ever any poor General more morti
fied ? But he has by this Time received his Quietus. Gates takes the Command there, agree
ably to what you tell me is the wish of the People, and I trust our Affairs in that Quarter
will soon wear a more promising Aspect." Samuel Adams to Roger Sherman, August II,
1777. MS.
354 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
prisoners, within four Days. This strikes a Panic on our Men,
which is not to be wonderd at, when we Consider the Hazard
they Run, when out on Scouts, by being fired on, from all Quar
ters (and the woods so thick, they can't see three yards before
them), and then to hear the .Cursed War hoop, which makes the
Woods ring for Miles.
Our Army at this Post, is weak and shatter'd, much Confus'd,
and the Number by no means equal to the Enemy; nor is there the
Least probability of a Reinforcement.
Our Artillery, 4 pounders. The Enemys 6, 12, 18 and 24
pounders. Their flying Camp (as they call it) is now at Fort
Edward, 24 Miles from this, which Consists of 3000 British
Troops, 600 Indians, 1000 Tories and 200 Canadians, with 8 Field
pieces, and 4 Howitzers, 200 Waggons for their Baggage. Their
main body 5000 Men are at Fort Ann, 14 miles from Fort Edward,
with their heavy Artillery. This moment brought in by our
Scouts, two Tories in the Enemy's service. They left Fort
Edward, Sunday Last, who say s'.ome Hessians, with some heavy
Artillery, from Fort Ann, got in that Day, and that the flying
Camp were to begin their march for Saratoga in three Days.
This day Colo. Long from N. Hampshire, leaves us with his
Regt. which Consist of 200 Men, their time being out; nothing
will induce them to stay one day Longer.
The loth goes off 500 Men from Genl. Poor's Brigade, (Militia,)
from the County of Hampshire. The I2th goes off from Genl.
Nixon's Brigade, 600 Men, (Militia) from the County of Berkshire.
We then shall have left 14 Regts. from the State of Massts. Bay -
(Bigelow's is not yet got in) which Consist of about 150 Rank and
File, fit for duty, Each ; three Regts. from New Hampshr. 560 Men ;
One from New York 150 Ditto. Thus you see the whole strength
of the Army at this Post will be but about 3000 Men (that will be
on the Ground the I2th inst. unless some Reinforcemt. comes in)
to Oppose the Enemy, who, from the best Accounts we can Col
lect, are at least 8000. and every day growing Stronger by the dis
affected Inhabitants joining them, and ours growing Weaker.
If we are not Reinforc'd speedily, we may as well give up the
Matter and come home. We pannot make a stand at this place
Warren- Adams Letters 355
with that handfull of Men we have, Compared with the Enemy.
We must retire to Albany immediately, on the Enemy's Advancing
from Fort Edward, which we expect will be tomorrow.
I'm extremely unhappy in this Departmt. as I know the Popu
lar Clamour runs high, and the People at Large charge every Mis
fortune or Accident that happens, to either the Cowardice, Negli
gence or Treachery of the Officers. The Clamour of the People
[torn] Schuyler and St. Clair [torn] HilLto Albany, which [torn]
n them myself, but when [torn] true state of Facts, I must Confess
[torn] was so much Alterd, I have not the least [complaint] against
either of them. On the Contrary must say [I think] them to be ex
ceeding good Officers, and that they have [don]e every thing in their
power, or that could be done by any Officer in Like Circumstances.
I have Endeavourd to give you the true State of our Army at this
Place. A Reinforcemt. lyes with you, and not with us. If we flee
before the Enemy, it will be for want of Men. You may rely on it
we shall not turn our Backs on equal Numbers.
Genl. Schuyler tells me he has wrote to the Assembly of our
State repeatedly, but has Reed, no Answer.
We have an Account of Genl. Howe's 1st Division being Landed
at New Castle. If this is true, your fear of an Attack in your
Quarter must subside. That being the Case, I hope you will send
on a Reinforcemt. immediately. Pray let no time be Lost. A
Day's delay may be fatal to America. Let the Body be as Large
as possibly can be Collected, furnish'd with Arms and Accou-
tremts. There is none to be had here. Let some Vigilant persons
come on before them to provide Provisions, Waggons, etca. The
marching of the Troops have been much Retarded for want of such
a Regulation. I am, with Respect, Sir, Yr. most Obedt. hume Sert.
JOHN GLOVER B. General
JOHN GLOVER TO JAMES WARREN
STILLWATER, nth Augt., 1777. 24 Miles above Albany
DEAR SIR, — I wrote you the 6th inst. since which nothing
Extraordinary has happen'd at this Post.
Yesterday an Express from Fort Schuyler, (upon the Mohawk
356 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
River) 1 20 Miles from Albany, which informs of an Action between
a Body of Militia of 900 Men (from Tryon County) Commanded
by B Genl. Harkermon,1 (on their March to Reinforce that Post)
who met with) and 1000 Indians and Tories, 6 miles this side the
Fort, Commanded by Sir John Johnson ; when an Obstinate Battle
ensued,2 in which were kill'd a Capt Watts of New York, and 50 or
60 Indians, on the side of the Enemy, which were found Dead on
the ground our People beat them from. It's probable a great
Number were Wounded, which they carried off.
Genl. Harkermon was shot thro' both his legs, broke the Bone
of one, and much wounded the other. Notwithstanding this, he
kept with his Men till he could procure Waggons to carry off his
Wounded, (which were Considerable,) at 24 Miles Distance from
the place of Action. The Number of Officers kill'd on our side are
many; a Colo. Knox, 3 majors, and several more Subordinate
Officers, with 22 Privates. The party that Remain'd pushd on to
Fort Schuyler, which was attack'd at the same time, by about 800
of the Enemy. Colo. Gonsewert 3 who Commanded the Fort,
sallied out upon them, beat them back, took 6 Field pieces and
two Roiads. The number kill'd not ascertain'd.
Genls. Schuyler and St. Clair is order'd down to Hd. Quarters (by
Congress,) to give an Accot. of the Evacuation of Ticonderoga and
Fort Independence. This I fear will be of fatal Consequences
to this Post, as the People in this Quarter are much Attach'd to
them. I am, Sir, with Respect and Esteem Yr. most Obedt. Sert.
JOHN GLOVER
P. S. One of our Scouting parties just got in from Fort Edward,
which informs the Enemy's Flying Army is at Fort Miller, and are
to be at Saratoga to morrow, which is [on]ly 12 Miles from this.
Yesterday 300 Militia Left us. This day and to morrow the whole
goes off. We shall then be reduc'd to about 3000 Continental
Troops, one tenth part of which is taken off for Artillery, and
Waggon Drivers, including Boatmen.
^ If we are not to be Reinforc'd, you will not be surpris'd if the
Enemy penetrate to New England.
i Nicholas Herkimer. 2 At Oriskany, August 6. 3 Peter Gansevoort.
I77i] W^arren- Adams Letters 357
A part of Colo Bigelow's Regt. got in this day after being 30 days
from Worcester.
J. G.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILA., Aug. 12, 1777
DEAR SIR, — I see by the Papers, our Assembly is called, and
conclude it is now sitting.1
The Letters we receive from G. Schuyler, are enough to frighten
any Body who does not know him. G. Washington] says that all
the Regiments from N. H. and M. B. are at the Northward and
yet, Schuyler tells us he has not above 5000 Men. I hope this mat
ter will be investigated. I believe Gates will find greater Num
bers; if not, I hope they will be sent him.
Burgoine is treading dangerous Ground, and proper Exertions
will ruin him. These I hope will not be wanting.
I rejoice to see such a Spirit arise upon the Loss of Ti. and such
determined Calls for Inquiry. The Facts must be stated from the
Returns and other Evidence, and the innocent will be I hope ac
quitted, the guilty meet their Deserts. I see no Medium, I con
fess, between an honourable Acquittal and capital Punishment.
What is become of Howe? The Jersies are very happy, relieved
from an heavy Burthen. What Fears were propagated in Boston
last January, that the Jersies were lost. Not a single Village, has
revolted. We have still Accounts of part of Howe's Fleet, coasting
between the Capes of Delaware and those of Cheasapeak. What
this Man's design is can not be conjectured; it is very deep or very
shallow.
Washington has been here with a noble Army, very obedient,
and orderly.
Our News from France, is agreable — Trade, Friendship, As
sistance under hand, and Loans of Money, for the present —
other Things by and by. I am, etc.
[No signature.]
i It began its session August 5, one month earlier than intended.
358 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
ABIGAIL ADAMS TO MERCY WARREN
August 14, 1777. BRAINTREE.
This is the memorable fourteenth of August. This day 12 years
the stamp office was distroyd. Since that time what have we en
dured? What have we suffer'd? Many very many memorable
events which ought to be handed down to posterity will be buried
in oblivion, merely for want of a proper Hand to record them;
whilst upon the opposite Side many venal pens will be imployd to
misrepresent facts and render all our actions odious in the eyes of
future generations. I have always been sorry that a certain person
who once put their Hand to the pen, should be discouraged, and
give up so important a service. Many things would have been re
corded by the penetrating genious of that person which, thro the
multiplicity of events and the avocations of the times, will wholly
escape the notice of any future Historian.
The History and the Events of the present day must fill every
Human Breast with Horrour. Every week produces some Horrid
Scene perpetrated by our Barbarous foes. Not content with a uni
form Series of cruelties practised by their own Hands, but they
must let loose the infernal savages, those 'dogs of warr,' and cry
Havock to them. Cruelty, impiety, and an utter oblivion of the
natural Sentiments of probity and Honour, with the violation of
all Laws Humane and Divine, rise at one view and characterise a
George, a How, and a Burgoine.
0 my dear Friend, when I bring Home to my own Dwelling these
tragical Scenes which are every week, presented in the publick
papers to us, and only in Idea realize them, my whole soul is dis-
tressd. Were I a man, I must be in the Field. I could not live to
endure the Thought of my Habitation desolated, my children
butcherd, and I an inactive Spectator.
August 15
1 enclose to you a Coppy of mr Lee's Letter. It came to me with
some restrictions to be shewn only to those whom I could confide
in. I think by that our affairs abroad look'd as favorable as we
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 359
could expect; but we have a great many hardships to endure yet
I fear, ere we shall receive any assistance from others.
Letters from my Friend to the 20 of July mentions the loss of
Ticonderoga with much regreat,but says tis an event which he has
feard would take place for some time; people that way were much
disposed to censure, but that they had not received any perticular
accounts by which a true judgment could be formd.
August 1 6
We are bless'd my Friend with a fine Season and hope the charm
ing rains this afternoon have reachd Plimouth and refreshd the
Fields of Eal river.
You mention some French cotton. I am much obliged to you,
but I have since I saw you been accommodated in that way. The
Mussel I should be very glad of, either one or two yards, just as
you can spair it, and shoe binding, if it is to be had. Garlick
Thread I am in great want of, do if you should know of any be so
good as to let me know.
I am really ashamed to tell my Friend that I have not yet been
able to get Home the cloth. All that was in my power to do to it,
has been done 3 months ago and I have been sending and going
almost every week since. I saw the Man yesterday and he has
promised me that I shall have it next week; but if his word prove
no better than it has done I can not say you may depend upon it.
All I can say is that my endeavours have not been wanting. As soon
as I can get it it shall be forwarded by your affectionate Friend,
PORTIA
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
Aug. 18, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — The inclosed Copies, you will see must not be
made public. You will communicate them in Confidence to such
Friends as have Discretion. When you have made such use of
them as you shall judge proper, be pleased to send them to the
Foot of Pens Hill, because I have no other Copies and should be
glad to preserve them.
360 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
It is in vain for me to write any Thing of the Northern Depart
ment, because you have all the Intelligence from thence, sooner
than We have. The G. Washington] has orderd Morgan's Rifle
men and two or three more Regiments there. There has been a
smart Action near Fort Schuyler, in which, our People were suc-
cessfull, but with a severe Loss.
I hope the Mass, will exert itself now, for the support of Gates
and the Humiliation of the blustering Burgoine. It is of vast im
portance to our Cause that the Mass, should be exemplary upon
this occasion.
Howe's Fleet and Army, are still incognito. When or where We
shall hear of them, know not.
We are in deep Contemplation upon the state of our Currency.
We shall promise Payment in the Loan offices of the Interest in
Bills of Exchange on our Ministers in France. But Taxation, My
dear Sir, Taxation, and Oeconomy, are our only effectual Resources.
The People this way are convinced of it and are setting about it
with spirit.
[No signature.]
COPIES OF LETTERS OF ARTHUR LEE.
LONDON, Jan. 31, 1777
DR. SIR, — I flatter myself with the pleasure of hearing from you soon, and in
the mean Time, I wish to convey to you a Piece of important Secret Intelligence,
relative to the Situation of this Court with Spain and which I procured in such a
Way, as I gave my Honour I would not repeat it to any one, on this Side of the
Water.1 During the latter part of the Administration of Lord Dartmouth a
Scheme was formed, for establishing a Colony on the Lands of the Musquito
Indians, and Seven or Eight of that Tribe came hither, and gave Assurance that
they would sell a Part of their Territory to the English. Dr. Ervin and Captn.
Blair, were the Persons, who undertook to carry the Project into Execution, and
accordingly loaded a Vessell and sailed with a Cargo of Goods, Implements of
Husbandry, Servants, etc. to the Musquito shore. A legislative Council, and
Justices of Peace were appointed from hence, for the Government of the Colony.
The Spaniards were alarmed at the Settlement, and in consequence seized the
Vessell and Cargo: and about Ten Weeks ago Captn. Blair came home to seek
Redress. Lord Weymouth, immediately sent orders to the British Ambassadors
at Madrid to demand the Restoration of the Vessell and Cargo. That Court
peremptorily refused it, unless it was declared that Captn. Blair did not act by
I Lee was at this time associated with Franklin and Deane.
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 361
Authority of the British Court. Lord Weymouth refused to say so, and has told
the Cabinet, he dare not do it (which will account for his threatened Resignation,
as was mentioned in one of my former Letters) altho it was a Plan adopted and
carried into Execution before he came into office, and therefore he alledges he is
bound to protect and support the Colony, and more especially as the Mosquito
Indians disclaim all Subordination to the Court of Spain; and on the contrary
upon the Arrival of each new Governor at Jamaica their King or Sachem, has for
many years made it an invariable Custom to go to that Island and pay a Sort of
Homage to its Governor, as the Representative of the Crown of England. The
Substance of the last answer from Spain was, that if the British Court made it a
Serious Matter, the Court of Madrid was determined to do the same. I shall not
trouble you with any Observations upon this Intelligence. You will make your
own use of it. Lord Weymouth, I am assured will not flinch from it, as he con
siders himself in a very delicate Situation.
The Indians in the above Letter returned in the Ship with Dr. Ervin and Capt.
Blair to the Musquito shore. One of them was a Prince.
If I had two or three Aid de Camps and a Secretary, as the great Men
of the Age have, I would present you with a fairer Copy. But we small
Folks are obliged to do our own Drudgery, and we have so much of it
to do, that we must do it in Haste.1
Extract
LONDON, 3 Feb., [1777]
There is no kind of Relaxation here in warlike Preparations, and yet the Minis
try have so contrived that few People believe there is any danger of war; this
indeed is necessary to them for the present and untill the subscription to the
ensuing Loan of Six Millions be compleated, as the Money would otherwise be
necessarily borrowed at 10 or 12 greater loss. Transports are getting ready to
carry out the additional British and German Troops to America and it is intended
they shall all sail by the Beginning of March.
Administration intend the Campaign shall be opened unusually early in the
Spring in America, and the Operations directed wholly and on all sides against
N. England; and they expect by early and vigorous Exertions, to crush the
Northern Colonies before they can be assisted from the Southward, and before
any foreign Relief can be given, and thus end the War. It is of importance that
this Plan of operations shd be known as early as possible in America that N. Eng
land may in due Season procure necessary Supplies of Flour, Troops, etc. from
the other Colonies.
I am much puzzled about the real Intentions of the present Ministry in Respect
of their great and hasty Armaments. They certainly are too expensive to be mere
Scarecrows, and, improbable as it may seem on one Account, there is Reason
to think they intend, when their present Loan is compleated, either to attack
i Added by John Adams.
362 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
France, or, at least to hold a very high Language to her. Certain it is, that Lord
Weymouth has of late seriously and warmly urged an immediate Declaration of
War against France, and tho such Declaration has not been made, it is perhaps
only suspended.
At any Rate France seems to have done enough to incur the utmost Resent
ment of our K. and Ministry, and if she should do no more, she will have Reason
to think, she has done too much, as some of the Friends of Administration al
ready insinuate, that as soon as an Accommodation with America can be affected
the whole of the British Force now there will be turned against St Domingo, etc.
It is said that the better to hasten an accommodation, offers of a more specific
Nature will be sent out to America than former ones, perhaps in the dress of an
Act of Parliament, as it is supposed that the Sword will soon have produced a
Disposition in the Colonies to listen to them. Wedderburn I understand has been
some time pressing something of this Nature.1
NANTES, Feb. n, 1777
By the Information I have from London, which I think may be depended upon,
the Plan of Operations is, for Howe and his recruited Army, to act against New
England; while Carlton makes his way upon the Lakes to keep the middle Colo
nies, in Awe; and Burgoine with an Armament from England, of 10,000, if it can
be procured, invades the South, probably Virginia, and Maryland. The Intelli
gence from England is, that 10,000 Germans, are actually engaged, while the
French Minister, and the Spanish Ambassador both assure us, that it is with very
great Difficulty, the Enemy can procure the Recruits, necessary to keep up the
Number formerly stipulated. That the Force of their different Armaments, will
fall greatly short of what they intend, I believe; but it seems to me almost certain,
that the three Attacks will be made. That their utmost Efforts will be exerted
this Campaign is infallible; because nothing is more certain than that the present
State of Europe forbids every Expectation of their being long unemployed nearer
home. If, therefore, they do not succeed this Year against us there is an End of
their Prospects of Ravage and Revenge. Even at this Moment they have put
every Thing in Hazard. England, Ireland, and Hanover are left almost defence
less by their Efforts against us. I should submit whether it is not fit, that it should
be made known to the Army, that the Forces to be sent this year, both from Eng
land and Germany, are new raised, and therefore totally undisciplin'd because
the attacking such Troops on their first Arrival, would be taking them in their
weakest State, and they ought not to carry with them the Terror of disciplined
Troops, which in Fact they are not,' and of which it would encourage their op
ponents to be apprised. The French Minister told me, that the King of Great
Britain had endeavoured in vain to get Troops in Germany to supply the Place
in Hanover of those which he sent to garrison Gibralter. All these things concur
to shew, that they are pressed on every Side to make this last Effort against our
Liberties, which I trust will be met with Proportionable Exertions on our Part,
i On February 7 Lee set out for the Spanish court, to see what could be done there in
favor of the colonies.
Warren- Adams Letters 363
and under the Providence of Heaven, defeated. The Losses, which the Enemies
West India Trade has suffered by Captures the last Year, has determined the
Government to make Provision against it, in future, by sending a Number of
armed Cutters, which will take the small Cruisers, that have hitherto been so
successful against their West Indiamen. These too are to be armed as in Time of
War. I therefore submit to your Consideration the propriety of marking out an
other Line of cruising for the small Privateers, and sending such only into the
Gulph, as are of Force to drive off the Cutters, and make Prize of the armed West
Indiamen.1
Feb. 14. Our latest Intelligence from England informs us, that a Bill is now
passing for granting Letters of Mark, against you, or rather for repealing so much
of the former Act, as confined it to the Navy. The Press there still continues very
violent but not equally productive. That, together with the great Preparations
of France and Spain, seems to render the Continuance of Peace for many Months
impossible. From every Thing I can learn, their Armaments against you will be
very late, if the Situation of Europe will suffer them at all. But it is best to pre
pare for their Plan, as if it would be executed in its fullest Extent. For it is im
possible to have such Relyance upon the Politicks of Europe, as would justify the
hazarding much upon their Issue.
I believe you have not yet been apprised, of what it may be material for you to
know, which is, that the British Government offered to deliver the Prisoners
taken on long Island, to the East India Company, to be sent to their Settlements,
if the Company would send for them to Gibralter. This Proposition is upon
Record in the Company's Books, a General Court having been expressly held
upon it. Compared with other Things, it may possibly shew their good Faith;
and it is itself a sufficient Evidence of their merciless and tyrannical Disposition
towards us.
This Letter is from A. Lee.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, September 4, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I thank you for yours of the I2th and 1 8th
August which came safe to hand. I am much gratified by seeing
some account of your plans, and operations abroad. Your good
Lady obliged me with a sight of a letter of a similar kind she re
ceived from you some time since. I think on the whole they are
as well as we could expect, and perhaps in a better way than our
enemies ever had an idea of. I shall soon forward the inclosed to
the Foot of the Hill directed.
i To this point the letter is the same as that sent on February II, to the Committee of
Secret Correspondence. Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Revolution, n. 266.
364 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Schuyler's letters, at the same time they discover marks of
timidity unworthy a General, exhibit a spirit of rancour, partiality
and malevolence to this state unworthy a Commissary or quarter
Master, which station he is said to be qualified for. His representa
tions are extreemly injurious, and I hope we are not to suffer for
his negligence, etc. The change in that department has given great
satisfaction here and, with the enquiry ordered to be made, has
again engaged the confidence of the people. I hope every one will
have his deserts. It is at least time to check the insolence of any
officer that shall dare to make any State the object of his malice and
indecent reflections. Burgoin is indeed treading dangerous ground.
I expect to hear of his makeing a sudden retreat to save him and
his Army. We have exerted ourselves and sent a fine reinforce
ment who I hope are all up before this time. A very pretty body of
Militia had as I am informed marched to Connecticut River in
their way to the Army, and were turned back by some General's
Aid de Camp, because they would not engage to stay three months.
These were volunteers and consisted of about 1 200, but I will know
more of the history of this matter.
I congratulate you on the success of our Arms at the Northward
and Westward, very pretty affairs indeed, and to be done by the
poor despised Militia too will give singular pleasure to some peo
ple. We have just heard of Sullivan's bringing a number of prisoners
from Staten Island tho' not without some loss. We also hear that
you have found Howe. I congratulate you also in being freed from
conjecture on that head. I hope our Army will give a good ac
count of him. He seems to have a great fancy for a trip to Phila
delphia. Is it to shew his respects to Congress, or does Administra
tion suppose that the possession of that City will be the Conquest
of America? It is certainly a favourite plan. Our Committee sets
on a Constitution of Goverment this day: the Court meets next
week, our Navy Board are met. How shall I attend these several
departments? We have no news. Some valuable prizes have ar
rived, particularly a ship with 1600 hogheads salt, etc., from
Liverpool. It appears by all her letters that they expect the British
Troops were in possession of Philadelphia at that time (June). This
shews to me Howe's destination if we had no other evidence. I
Warren- Adams Letters 365
shall trouble you again soon. In the mean time bid you Adieu and
am Yours Sincerely,
[No signature.]
The state of our Currency is in a wretched situation and requires
the most capital attention. Taxation grows more popular here, and
I believe the Assembly will risque a Tax of three, if not 4OO,ooo£.
I shall write you hereafter on the subject of oeconomy, and how
difficult it is to practice it.
The disposition of the vacant lands, I have no doubt may be
made to furnish ample resources; but I have some apprehensions
of the distant consequences if foreigners gain large and extensive
grants and make settlements. However I dare say you will con
sider this matter and its consequences.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, September 7th, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote you by the last post. I wonder
whether all the letters I write you get to hand, and if they do
whether you are not tired with the number and length of them, to
say nothing of the composition, etc., which from the confidence
I have in your candour I pay no regard to. I am now applying
myself with all diligence to the business of the Navy Board in
order to answer as far as I am able your expectations and those of
the publick. I am greatly embarrassed with the forming a Consti
tution, the General Court setting this week, and the Naval Affairs,
even if every thing in the last was as I could wish; but I think it
peculiarly unhappy that we enter on this business when the cir
cumstances of the Fleet are far from being such as promises any
hopes that we can gratify the expectations of the people by our
utmost exertions, especially as they are well pleased with the Ap
pointment of such a Board, and consequently their expectations
run high. The Raleigh and Alfred are gone to sea from Portsmouth;
the Ranger, just ready to sail, will go in a few days under the im
mediate orders of the Marine Committee. Three Ships shut up in
Providence in a manner without men, one in Connecticut River,1
i The Trumbull.
366 Barren- Adams Letters [1777
never to be got out without the greatest difficulty and risque, even
if there was no enemy to prevent it, and a ship constantly watching
her. The Boston in this Harbour, the only remaining Ship in our
department, and she in a condition far from being agreable. And
great misunderstanding between the Captain and his officers, who
it is said will not again go to sea with him, and who say he never
will again man his ship. Capt. McNeil's reputation on his first
appointment was extreemly good; it seems to be now reversed.
The last cruise was at first very successful, but did not end so.
There was certainly great blame somewhere. I won't pretend to
say where. He lays it on Manley, as you may see by his letters to
the Marine Committee; while his officers dont scruple to say that
if he had followed Manley's orders we might have had not only the
Fox, but the Flora, and Rainbow.1 We are not invested with powers
to appoint or even suspend officers but this matter should be en
quired into. We have ordered him to equip his ship for the sea,
and man her immediately, and if it can be done shall send her to
sea. We shall next enquire into the state of the Providence ships
and the practicability of getting them out. We have wrote to the
Marine Committee for money and the resolves and regulations of
Congress relative to the Navy, both of which we are destitute of,
and can do very little without. Large sums of money are now
wanted. Do exert yourself to accelerate their motions in forward
ing them to us. We have very agreable intelligence from the West
ward this afternoon, that Arnold had cut of the whole Army on
their retreat from fort Stanwix. I wish it may be true. I hope you
will soon give me a pleasing account of the operations in the South.
Nothing of late from the Northwest. Two valuable prizes lately
arrived at Newbury port, one of them maned with Frenchmen and
pretends to be French property, tho' the Captors say it is only a
cover and they can prove the property English. All the papers
were hove overboard. We have by the other late papers, and a
passenger in nine weeks from London. I dont hear they are yet
in Town, but I am told the papers mention that Howe was to go
up to Maryland and from thence to Philadelphia. This passenger
was sent for by Hutchinson and very perticularly enquired of about
I Allen, Naval History of the Revolution, i. 216.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 367
the depreciation of our paper currency, with a malignity of heart
that shewed he had great reliance on it. This is perfectly in char
acter, and very probable. The rest of refugees or rather the most of
them discovered an inclination to get cash. Do write me a few of
your sentiments on Government. That is a great object with me.
I wish you happiness. Adieu.
[No signature.]
All ideas of oeconomy seem to be lost, or at least in some meas
ure rendered impracticable by the extravagance of the times. I
thought the allowance you made for a clerk was handsome. We
have tryed more than a week to get one even with the addition of
£50. L. M. more, but can't yet effect it. If we give this additional
sum, it will be from necessity. We must have a clerk and can't get
one without. If Congress wont allow it we must pay it ourselves.
Had you not had ample experience to the Southward I would at
tempt a description of it. Whoever begun it here at first, the Town
or Country, is a dispute not settled, but I think the Countryman
exceeds the merchant now. 37 for butter 1/6 for mutton, etc.,
they have the effrontery to ask at a time when Providence has
given them the finest season and crops you ever see, fruit in the
same or still greater excess. 3^. for a single peach. If our Board
are not to have a power of dismissing, or at least of suspending
officers, I foresee our authority will be contemptible. I will stand
in no contemptible station long. The good news from the west
ward I fear wants confirmation.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, September I7th, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — - Yours with the inclosed came safe to hand last
week, and have given me great pleasure. I wish I could in return
give you any thing that would equally amuse, entertain, or gratify
your curiosity, but there is not so much as a single piece of news
here to hand you. We are all agreed that Burgoine is "treading
dangerous Ground." You are doubtless better informed of the
motions and intended movements on both sides than I am. Gates
368 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
with our Main Army advancing in front, and Lincoln and Arnold
in the rear of his Army, seems to me a situation not very eligible
for a fine gentleman or a soldier. We expected to have heard of a
general action in that quarter before this, as we were informed that
the two Armys were advancing to each other; but we last evening
heard that Burgoin had retreated to Fort Edward, and Gates ad
vanced to Stillwater. I hope they will fight before they part. We
have various rumours about skirmishes between the Southern
Armies, which prevail, and as they are generally favourable to us,
please for a while and then dye. I hope to have this evening from
you the true situation of them. If you ask what we are about at
Court, I answer we are provideing for our Soldiers, calling in our
money, laying taxes, forming a Constitution, neither of which is
yet done. We have been provideing for the defence of Machias
and those parts. They are gallant fellows, a late instance of which
you will see in our papers. They form a frontier, are connected
with the Indians, and the Enemy have marked them for vengeance.
We have also been forming an expedition which I can only say will
be agreable to you. Are you tired of hearing of the forming a Con
stitution, so am I. It is a long time in hand, and I fear will not be
marked with the wisdom of Ages. I hope you will see it before this
Session ends. The spirit of enterprize in manufactures flourishes
here. Great quantitys of salt are made here; in and about Sand
wich there is or will very soon be made 200 bushels a day. The
whole coast is lined with saltworks, but it is altogether performed
by boiling, a few small works excepted. Molasses from corn stalks
is also made in large quantities and is very good. It was begun too
late or would have furnished a full supply and some for distillation.
I h[e]ard of one little town, the Town of Manchester, that had made
90 barrels. An acre of tops but at the common season will make
from thirty to forty gallons, and perhaps planted or sowed on
purpose, and cut earlier might afford much larger quantities. The
process is simple — three cilinders turned as cider cogs, at once
grind and express the juice.
Extravagance, oppression, avarice, etc., are in their zenith I
hope, and will never rise higher. What will be the consequence of
them, or what will stop their progress I am unable to say. This
T77?] Warren- Adams Letters 369
Town was in a tumult all day yesterday carting out Rascals and
Villains — small ones. This seems to be irregular and affords a
subject for Moderate Folks and Tories to descant largely and wisely
against mobs, but the patience of the people has beeri'wonderful, and
if they had taken more of them, and some of more importance their
vengeance, or rather resentment, would have been well directed.
It therefore seemed wrong to wish to stop them. My regards to all
friends. I am Yours, etc.
[No signature.]
I am informed by the Clothier General he 'shall next appoint
such an Agent here as the delegates of this State shall recommend.
If you will think proper to recommend Mr. Samuel Allyne Otis you
will oblige me, and I believe he" will execute the business extreemly
well. Please to mention this to Mr. Gerry.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
PHILADA., Sept. 17, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I receivd your favor of the 1st Instant. I have
not Time at present to give you a particular Account of our Mili
tary Movementsin this Quarter. I suppose you will have it from our
Friend Mr. J. A. There was an obstinate Engagement last Thurs
day.1 The Enemy were left Masters of the Field, but by all Ac
counts the Advantage was on our side. Howe and his Army remain
near the Field of Battle. They have had much to do in dress
ing their wounded and burying their dead. General Washington
retreated over the Schuilkil to Germantown a few Miles above this
City, where he recruited his Soldiers. He has since recrossed the
River and is posted on the Lancaster Road about 12 Miles distant
from the Enemy. His Troops are in high Spirits and eager for
Action. We soon expect another Battle. May Heaven favor our
righteous Cause and grant us compleat Victory! Both the Armies
are about 26 Miles from this Place. A Wish for the New England
Militia would be fruitless. I hope we shall do the Business without
them.
I At Brandywine.
370 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
I have a favor to ask of you in behalf of my very worthy Friend
R. H. Lee. He supposes that Mr. Gardoque l of Bilboa has sent
him some Jesuits Bark. I wish you would inquire of the Captains
from Bilboa and forward it to him, if any is arrived, by the first
safe opportunity. I have requested the same thing of Capt. John
Bradford, not knowing but the Multiplicity of publick Affairs
might render it impossible for you to attend to it, although I am
sure you will oblige so good a Patriot as Mr. Lee if it may be in
your Power.
We are told that the Enemy have landed in the Jerseys, 4000
strong. You can tell whether they have left Rhode Island. I have
Reason to hope that an equal Number of spirited Jersey Militia
are musterd under the Command of General Dickinson,2 Brother
of the late Patriot. These were designd for a Reinforcement to
the Army here. If the Report be true, these Militia joynd with
1500 Troops from Peeks Kill (undoubtedly now in Jersey) under
the Command of Brigr. General McDougal,3 will be sufficient to
give a good Account of them.
I think our Affairs were never in a better Scituation. Our troops
are victorious in the North. The Enemies Troops are divided and
scattered over a Country several Hundred Miles. Our Country is
populous and fertile. If we do not beat them this Fall will not the
faithful Historian record it as our own Fault? But let us depend,
not upon the Arm of Flesh, but on the God of Armies. We shall be
free if we deserve it. We must succeed in a Cause so manifestly
just, if we are virtuous. Adieu my Friend.
S. A.
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, October loth, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — You will recollect that a long time has elapsed
since I had a line from you. Our hopes and fears with regard to the
operations of war in your quarter have alternately risen and fallen
perticularly with regard to the fate of Philadelphia, till yesterday
i Joseph Gardoqui and Sons. 2 Philemon Dickinson (1739-1809).
3 Alexander McDougall (1731-1786).
Warren- Adams Letters 371
the post informs us that Howe is in peaceable and quiet possession
of it, without a battle. Has General Washington after all not men
enough to meet him, or does the high opinion of regulars yet re
main among his troops so that he dare not oppose them to him?
This acquisition will have no effect that I know of here, but it will
be improved, and operate much against our interest in Europe. I
hope it will not affect your new Funds.
Nothing decisive has yet taken place in the North. They all
seem to agree that Burgoyne must retire, fight or starve. I should
be content with either of the two last, but shall be mortified if the
first takes place, and he gets off with his Army. No want of men
in fine spirits, or of arms, provisions, or any thing else. I suppose
you know as much about them as I can tell you. No descent is yet
made on Rhode Island. The plan was to have gone on as soon as
the men got together. They have all but the Connecticut troops,
who were to have been there as soon as the rest, been on the spot
ten days, in which time the Enemy have been fortifying. I hope
however this want of vigour will be supplied by sound judgment in
the execution, and that I shall be able to give you some agreable
account from that quarter. We shall have near 10,000 men there.
We have no other intelligence but the success of the Randolph of
which I have wrote the Marine Board. Many prizes and valuable
ones are frequently arriveing. If Howe is in Philadelphia I presume
you are not. Where is your place of refuge ? x I bid you Adieu and
am sincerely yours, etc.
[No signature.]
JAMES WARREN TO JOHN ADAMS. ADAMS MSS.
BOSTON, October 12, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I want extreamly to hear from you to know
what situation you are in, and what is the true situation of our
public affairs. It is impossible to describe the confused, uncertain
accounts we have here of the military operations to the south
ward. We are at a loss who possesses Philadelphia. We hear that
I On September 27 Congress adjourned, to meet at Yorktown, Pennsylvania, on the
30th.
372 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
Congress have left it, but we know not what place they have re
tired to, and consequently I can't tell how to direct this but to the
old place. We have a fine Army in high spirits and well supplyed
in the Northern department, but no decisive action has yet taken
place there. I believe they will prevent Burgoyne advanceing, but
I think that will be the ultimatum. He will for any thing I can see
retire when he pleases. Our Troops have not yet landed on Rhode
Island. There appears in that quarter a want of vigour, and I
think of judgment. Things were not provided for the descent as
soon as the Militia arrived and their spirit and genius you know
does not admit of delays. When the expedition was formed Gen
eral Spencer informed us every thing was prepared; he had occa
sion for nothing but twro Howitzers which he desired us to supply
- a very moderate demand. You can't suppose we did not com
ply. From the very circumstance of this delay my sanguine expec
tations are much abated. My next will tell you more of this matter
which is important to us, and I dare say occasions anxiety to you.
We have men enough there, I believe not less than 10,000.
We have no news. This will be handed you by Capt. Palmes,1
who was Captain of Marines on board the Boston. I am not ac
quainted with his perticular business. I suppose he intends some
application to Congress relative to that Ship. Her affairs are in
deed in a curious situation. The quarrels between the Captain and
his officers have already occasioned great delays, and when we
shall be able to get her to sea or if ever under her present circum
stances I am unable to say. You will be able to learn something
of the matter from him. I dont wish to be vested with more pow
ers, if the good of the service dont require it, but I plainly foresee
that we never can answer your expectations unless we have at
least a power of suspending, if we are not to be intrusted with a
power of appointing.2 As the matter now stands we are little bet
ter than a Board of Agency or factorage and tho' we are ordered
to do many expensive things are not supplyed with a shilling to do
it with. This is as bad as makeing bricks without straw. We have
1 Richard Palmes.
2 Journals of the Continental Congress, ix. 833; Out-Letters of the Continental Marine Com-
I???] Warren- Adams Letters 373
wrote repeatedly to the Marine Committee and have tryed to bor
row of the Loan Office. He dont like to supply without orders.
We lost many advantages, and indeed the business in all its parts
laggs in such a manner as mortifies me, and will affect our reputa
tion. The Marine Committee have given Capt. McNeil their own
orders for his next cruise.1 Dont you intend there shall be an en
quiry into the conduct of the last? There is indeed a contrast
between bringing in the Fox and Flora if not the Rainbow, and the
looseing the Hancock and the Fox. I don't pretend to say who was
to blame, but I think Congress should know, if they intend officers
should do their duty in future. I love to see officers regard dis
cipline and keep a proper command; but overbearing haughtiness
and unlimited conceit, especially if joined with unbounded ex-
pence, will never promote the good of your service at sea or ashore.
It is our business to correct the last in the Navy of this department
as much as possible, and I think we should be impowered to con-
troul the first. I wish you every happiness and am Yours, etc.
[No signature.]
Monday the I3th. We have just received the agreable news of
a victory in the Northern department. I am not able to give you
the perticulars but the action was general, and the defeat com-
pleat. Our Army was still in the pursuit when the account came
away. Arnold and Lincoln are wounded, on our side, and Frazier 2
killed on theirs. Our day however is a little damaged by hearing
that fort Montgomery3 is taken.
JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
YORK TOWN, Octr. 24, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — We have got to a Part of the World, where We
are scarcely able to procure any Intelligence.
We have as yet no. certain Information, concerning the events
at the Northward, on the 14. and I5th. of this Month, the whole
of which I dare say before this Time are familiar to you. We
have had Rumours, which lifted us up to the Stars.
I He was ordered to sail to France. 2 Simon Fraser (1729-1777). 3 October 6.
374 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
We are now upon Confederation, and have nearly compleated
it. I really expect it will be finished by the Middle of next Week.
We dispatched some Affairs, last Evening for your Board which
Dr. Linn 1 I suppose will convey to you.
We shall consider immediately a Plan of Taxes for all the States.
This is our Resource. I rejoice with Joy unspeakable that your
Assembly, have adopted a Plan of such consummate Wisdom. I am,
JOHN ADAMS
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
YORK TOWN IN PENNSYLVA., Oct. 26, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — We have just now receivd a satisfactory Ac
count of the great Success of our Arms on the I4th Inst. under
General Gates. The Express is expected every Hour. I have
Time only to congratulate you on this and also on a successful
Engagment on the Delaware, an account of which is containd in
a Letter, Copy of which I inclose.
I hope our Countrymen will render the just Tribute of Praise
to the Supreme Ruler for these signal Instances of his Interposi
tion in favor of a People struggling for their Liberties. Congress
will, I suppose recommend the setting apart one Day of publick
Thanksgiving to be observd throughout the united States. If
Burgoin is allowd to reside in Boston, will he not by his Arts, con
found if not seduce the Minds of inconsiderate Persons?
Ferbum Sapienti. Adieu my Friend.
S. A
[ENCLOSURE.]
Copy of a Letter from Colo. Jona. Mifflin, D. Q. M. G., dated Head Quarters,
Oct. 25, 1777, to Genl. Mifflin.
^ The day before yesterday at 4 o' Clock P M Count Donop with 1200 Hessian
Grenadiers made their Appearance before the Garrison at Red Bank and by a
Flag demanded a Surrender; which being refused, they made an immediate At
tack, forcd over the Abbatis, crossd the Ditch, and some few had mounted the
Picketts. They were so warmly receivd, that they retired with great Precipita-
I Dr. John Linn, appointed by General Wooster a director of the hospital in the district
)i Quebec. T he resolution of Congress gave to the Navy Board of the Eastern Department
power to suspend officers of the continental navy within its district. Dr. Linn also brought
100,000 dollars for the Board.
1777] IV arr en- Adams Letters 375
tion, leaving the Count and his Brigade Major, who are wounded and in the Fort.
The killed and wounded, agreeable to the Letter are five hundred. Lt. Colo.
Green, who commanded, played upon them a very good Deception. When the
Flag came in, he concealed all his Men but 50, saying " With these brave Fellows
this Fort shall be my Tomb." He had five killed and fifteen wounded.
Yesterday an Attack was made upon Fort Mifflin by Six Ships which were
warpd thro the Chevaux de Frize at Billingsport in the Night. They began the
Cannonade at Daybreak, which continued very hot till 10 o'Clock, when the Gal-
lies forced them to give way. In retiring a 64 Gun Ship (said to be the Augusta)
and a Frigate, the Liverpool, ran aground, and were set on Fire by their own
People. Two Men were wounded in the Fort.
Colo. Green l is one of the Rhode Island Batallions. Genl. Washing
ton upon his Arrival at Camp honord him with the Command of the
Fort at Red Bank.
Howe it is said has publishd a Hand bill in Philadelphia setting forth
that Burgoyne has gaind a complete Victory having taken Gates and all
his Army Prisoners, and that he is in full March with a victorious Army
for Albany and New York.2
It needs no comment.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
YORK TOWN, PENNSYLVA., Oct. 29, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I sent you a few days ago an Account of the
Success we have had on the Delaware. The Honor of recovering
Philadelphia seems to be intended for the brave Men who com
mand there; for if the Enemy cannot get up with their Ships of
War, Howe cannot long remain in the City. May Honor be given
to whom Honor may be due. -7
Congress have applyd with Diligence to Confederation. Most
of the important Articles are agreed to. Each State retains its
Sovereignty and Independence with every Power, Jurisdiction,
and Right, which is not by the Confederation expressly delegated
to the United States in Congress assembled.
Each State is to have one Vote in Congress; but there must be
a Concurrence of Nine States in all Matters of Importance.
1 John Green.
2 Evans (No. 15313) gives a folio of two pages, " Glorious authentic Intelligence," issued
October 21, 1777, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by Francis Bailey, on the surrender of Bur
goyne; but no issue such as is described in the text is known.
376 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
The Proportion of the publick Expence to be paid by Each
State to be ascertaind by the Value of all the Lands granted to or
surveyd for any Person, to be estimated according to such Mode
as Congress shall from time to time direct.
All Disputes about Boundaries are to be decided by Judges
appointed in the following Mode: The Representatives of Each
State in Congress to be nominated, the contending States to strike
off 13 each, and out of the remaining 13 not more than 9 nor less
than 7 shall be drawn out by Lot, any five of them to hear and
determine the Matter.
I hope we shall finish the Confederation in a few days when I
intend to renew my Request for the Leave of Absence, and return
home. I am determined by God's Assistance never to forsake the
great Cause in which my Country is virtuously struggling; but
there are others who have greater abilities and more adequate to
this important Service, than I have. I hope therefore another will
be appointed in my Room. It is the greatest Honor of my Life
to have enjoyd the Confidence of my Country thus long; and I
have the clear and full Testimony of my own Mind that I have
at all Times endeavord to fill the Station they have thought fit to
place me in to their Advantage.
This will be deliverd to you by Mr. Hancock, who has Leave of
Absence till the first of January next.
I hope the Person to be elected in my Room will have under
standing enough to know when the Arts of Flattery are played
upon him, and Fortitude of mind sufficient to resist and dispise
them. This I mention inter Nos nostipsos. In this evil World there
are oftentimes large Doses prepared for those whose Stomachs will
bear them. And it would be a Disgrace to human Nature to affirm
there are some who can take the fullest Cup without nauseating.
I suppose you have by this time finished a form of Government, -i
I hope the greatest Care will be taken in the Choice of a Governor. '
He, whether a wise Man or a Fool, will in a great Measure form
the Morals and Manners of the People. I beg Pardon for hinting
the Possibility of one of the last Character being chosen: But alas!
Is there not such a Possibility! But I assure my self of better
things. I believe my Country will fix their Eyes and their Choice
I77i] Warren- Adams Letters 377
on a Man of Religion and Piety; who will understand human Na
ture and the Nature and End of political Society; who will not by
Corruption or Flattery be seducd to the betraying, even without
being sensible of it himself, the sacred Rights of his Country.
We are told that the Prisoners taken at the Northward are sent
into Massachusetts Bay. I hope Burgoyne will not be permitted
to reside in Boston; for if he is, I fear that inconsiderate Persons
of Fashion and some significance will be induced, under that Idea of
Politeness, to form Connexions with him, dangerous to the Publick.
There are other Reasons which I should think would make his
or any other officers being fixed in a populous Town uneligible.
There are Prison Ships, I suppose, provided for the Privates.
The Success of the present Campaign hitherto has been great
beyond our most sanguine Expectation. Let us ascribe Glory to
God who has graciously vouchsafd to favor the Cause of America
and of Mankind. We are impatiently waiting to hear from Rhode
Island. Should we succeed in every Quarter, yet we must not slack
our Hands. Every Nerve must be exerted in preparing for another
Campaign; for we may be attackd the next Spring with redoubled
Vigor.
There is Nothing in my opinion so threatning to us as our de
preciating Currency. Among the Train of Evils it is likely to bring
upon us, is the Destruction of Morals; for many will be ready to
think Extortion and Injustice necessary and justifiable for their
own Security. I am much pleasd to hear that the People of our
State are loudly calling for and the Assembly is about to lay on
a heavy Tax. This, if punctually collected, will be an effectual
Remedy. I hope the Payment of the Interest on Money borrowd,
in Bills on France, will bring large Sums into our Loan offices. But
I am come to a Necessity of concluding. Adieu, my dear Friend.
S. A.
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
YORK TOWN, Octob. 30, 1777
MY DEAR SIR, — I have just receivd your agreeable Letter of
the 8th by the Post, for which please to accept my hearty thanks.
378 Warren-Adams Letters [1777
I had written and seald the inclosd Letter, before yours came to
my Hand. Yesterday Morning Mr. H[ancock], who had several
times before given Notice to Congress of his Intention to return to
Boston agreeable to Leave he had obtaind at Philadelphia, made
a formal Speech to Congress in which he reminded them of his
having served them as President more than two years; whether
he had conducted to their Approbation or not, was left to them;
but he had the Testimony of his own Mind that he had done it to
the best of his Ability. He thanked them for the Civility they had
shown him, and if in the Course of Business he had faild in due
Respect to any Member, as it was not intentional, he hoped it
would be overlooked. It is likely as I have taken it from Memory
upon hearing it once read, that I have not done it Justice in point
of Expression. But it is not improbable that you may have a
Copy of it; for a Motion was made in the Afternoon by Mr. D — —
of N.Y.1 that a Copy should be requested, and Thanks returnd for
his great Services, and a Request that he would return and take
the Chair. This Motion was opposd by several Members, but it
obtaind so far as to request the Copy, and this Day the latter
Part of the Motion will be considerd.2
I have given you this merely as a Peice of News, leaving you to
judge of the Tendency and probable Effect of the Speech and
Motion. We have had two Presidents before, Neither of whom
made a parting Speech or receivd the Thanks of Congress.
[No signature.]
SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN
YORK TOWN, PENNSILVA., Novr. 4, 77
MY DEAR SIR, — I wrote to you last Week by Mr. Hancock and
gave you a curious Anecdote. The affair was brought on — it
labord a whole Afternoon. The Principle was objected to, it was
urged to be unprecedented, impolitick, dangerous. The Question
was then put of the Propriety of the Measure in any Instance.
Passd in the Affirmative 6 to 4. The original Question was then
1 Both Duane and Duer were present.
2 The speech is printed in Journals of the Continental Congress, ix. 852.
I???] H^arren- Adams Letters 379
put. Passd in the Affve., the same Division. The Yeas and Nays
were called for: yeas, C, N.Y., J, V, N.C., S.C. Nays, N.H., M, R.,
P.1 Adieu.
ARTHUR LEE TO 2
PARIS, Novr. 29, 1777
DEAR SIR, — I wish to represent to you a true State of Man
agement of your Affairs here, which if not alterd must end in
total Confusion and Disgrace. You have a Commercial Agent 3
against whom there are continual Complaints that every hour of his
Life he is doing every thing to disgrace Congress and disgust others.
At the same time you have given your Commissioners orders as
Merchants and Factors. One Commissioner 4 was a Merchant and
came over here with a View and Stipulation of trading for himself
as well as for you. Under the Pretence of these orders and that no
Reliance can be had on the Commercial Agent, the Commission
ers appoint an Agent 5 and by that Means a mutual Interest is
formd between two of them to disburse all the Monies receivd for
the Publick, in merchantile Schemes, through the Hands of that
Agent and others upon the same jobbing Principles.
In this Manner three Millions of Livres have been expended and
near another Million of Debt incurrd, without, I believe, your hav
ing receivd a Livres worth; and I may venture to say you never
will receive one half the Value.
The Time within which these Supplies were expected and ought
to have been sent, is long ago expired.
It has not been in the Power of the Third 6 to prevent or correct
this, from his having been absent a great Part of the Time, from
the Mercantile Commissioner having assumd the Management to
himself, and secured the Concurrence of the other thro the Medium
of Advantages thrown into the Nephew's hands, from their having
peremptorially told him (the Nephew) that two form the Com
missioners and acting accordingly. This has put him to the alterna-
1 See the Journals for October 31.
2 The copy is in the writing of Samuel Adams, to whom the letter was probably written.
3 Thomas Morris, a nephew of Robert Morris. 4 Silas Deane.
5 Jonathan Williams, a nephew of Franklin. 6 Arthur Lee.
380 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
tive of approving what has been done without his knowledge, or
openly quarreling with them, which I conceive would only add to
the Confusion and Distress of the publick Affairs. He has desired
from the beginning that regular hours for doing publick Business
might be settled, and has been constantly refusd. He has repeat
edly asked for an Account of the Expenditure of the three Millions.
That too is denied. Whatever is gracious in the Commission, that
is the Patronage, has been divided amongst the other two, without
the smallest Participation on his part.
[Here he proposes a Remedy and then proceeds:] This will re
move all pretence for their interposing and misapplying the publick
Money. I say pretence, because they have continued the same
Conduct since Mr. Alderman Lee's1 being here, which they pursued
when Mr. Morris was alone; and Mr. D[eane] has done every
thing in his Power to render'his coming needless. He will continue to
do so let who will be Agent, unless that Agent submits to his Direc
tion and acts to his Purposes, or unless you draw a clear Line be
tween the Commercial and political Characters and forbid any
Interposition with each other.
From their first Arrival here Mr. D[eane] seems to have con
sidered Mr. L[ee] as a dangerous Check upon him; and therefore
it has been a continued Course of Intrigue by Means of his Agents
Mr. C.2 and Dr. B.3 to traduce Mr. L. and assume to himself all
the Powers of the Commission, so as even to endeavor to have it
generally believd that Mr. L. was either not a Commissioner or
totally insignificant. From this Conduct in private they advancd
into the publick Papers, until at last they have contrivd to have
F[ranklin] and D[eane] constantly mentiond both in Print and in
Conversation as the Commissioners. During Mr. L.'s Absence in
Germany they contrivd to get over Dr. F. by affecting great Par
tiality for his Nephew, throwing considerable commercial Transac
tions into his hands and attempting to set him up as commercial
Agent under the Appointment of the Comrs. to inspect the Arms
and other things which they were to send out. They at the same
time circulated a Report both here and in England that a Quarrel
subsisted between Dr. F. and Dr. Lee, but that the other two
I William Lee. 2 William Carmichael. 3 Edward Bancroft.
1777] Warren- Adams Letters 381
(viz. F. and D.) acted in perfect Harmony. To confirm this in its
full Extent, as soon as Mr. L. had apprizd the other Commisioners
of his Intention and Time of returning, Mr. D. gives up a House
which had been hired and furnishd at publick Expence in Paris,
and took Possession of the Apartments he had before refusd which
were fitted up for Mr. L. at Passie, in the same House with Dr. F.
This Stroke was to hold out at once the Appearance of Union be
tween them and Difference with Mr. L., and concentrate the
publick Attention upon them alone. And the better to secure these
Effects, it was whisperd that this was done by the particular De
sire of Dr. F. . . . Mr. L. conceives that Nothing can be more det
rimental to the publick Interest than an open Quarrel, he has de-
termind to bear every thing rather than commence a Dispute.
He proposd that one of the Millions they receivd should be funded
to pay the Interest of your Loans and give Credit to your Paper,
but every Livre is spent. He has urgd that this may be done with
what they are to receive. That too is in vain.
[Mr. Dodd is going; more at another time.] 1
That too is in vain, for it is resolvd to spend the Money and
trust to Fortune for the paying your Interest as the Commis
sioners promise. Yet it is adviseable to draw, because they may
still be able to answer. But this expending Spirit will continue,
till the disbursing of Money is taken entirely from them and placd
where it ought to be.
Much ill humour is expressed by Mr. D. against the french
Court, and he has endeavord to make others hold the same Lan
guage. But his Colleagues think very differently; and are of opin
ion that this Court has been compelled to every Step of Severity
by gross Misconduct in others. The principal was Cunningham's
Business at Dunkirk.2 With the particulars of this Affair Mr.
Lee is to this Moment unacquainted. Mr. D. is unwise enough to
declare that he did it to excite a War. Such an Attempt, without
the Advice and Concurrence of the others in the Propriety of it
1 An expression of Samuel Adams. William Dodd was one of the express riders between
Boston and the Congress.
2 Gustavus Conyngham, arrested at Dunkirk for a breach of neutrality. See Neeser,
Gustavus Conyngham.
382 Warren- Adams Letters [1777
and in the Means, was highly criminal. He is conscious of it and
therefore seems to be searching for Shelter under a general Discon
tent and Disagreement, than which, if it operates on our Friends
here, nothing can be more injurious. For tho' they do not all we
wish, they certainly do more than any others. It would be both
Ingratitude and Folly to repay it with ill humour and ill Will.
They told the Commissioners from the Beginning the Line they
meant to pursue, and repeatedly entreated them not to transgress
it and involve them. It has been transgressd under this Gentle
man's Advice and by his Agents, with strong Circumstances of ill
Faith and with the ridiculous Idea of forcing them into a War.
The Consequences of this have fallen upon our Heads, and we have
not the least Pretence for Complaint.
I am not so little read in Men and Books as not to know that
such Men and such Actions are found in all political Circles. But
I lament that they are fallen upon in this important Moment and
that they have been so detrimental to the publick Service. The
Fear of increasing that Injury has made Mr. L. concur in Meas
ures of which he disapprovd, prevented him from resenting most
atrocious Injuries and determind him to stifle his Complaints to
any but his confidential Friends. I hope the proposed Plan will
remedy all.
[Our Success at the Northward last fall, I am inclind to think
prevented those Differences and this Misconduct from having the
most mischievous Effects.] l
i By Samuel Adams.
END OF VOLUME I
1338
„„!— *ww
RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
TO— ^ 202 Main Library
LOAN PERIOD 1
HOME USE
2
3
4
5
6
ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS
Renewals and Recharges may be made 4 days prior to the due date.
Books may be Renewed by calling 642-3405
DUE AS STAMPED BELOW
FEB 1 U 199b
FORM NO. DD6
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
BERKELEY, CA 94720
®s
\ •$
\
h
U.C.BERKELEY LIBRARIES
<v
or to the
of California
94804-4698
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11